Forum Topic

Beware: Some local bùs drivers are iffy.

I had an accident on Thursday lastat the bus stop (SS) outside the Tanning Shop on Chiswick High Road. I was getting on the 237/267 westbound bus with my walking stick and small trolley. The bus driver closed the front doors when I was 1/2 on. I fell backwards onto the pavement. Dazed, small cuts and a bruised hip/ bottom. Many helped me recover ...except the bus driver.Someone asked if an Ambulance should be called I said "No" That was a mistake on my part I was too dazed to take the drivers details or the bus number 237 or 267. An Ambulance would have made a report to his Depot.My message is: vunerable passengers should make sure that they make eye contact with the driver before getting on a bus.My accident occurs now and again apparently. Beware dodgy bus drivers!

Jim Lawes ● 70d15 Comments

Not to belittle your experience Jim, but I've loved this skit from the late great Bob Newhart for years. It's from 1961 and the US but still very accurate !https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvSwXcyfjbY&t=7sCopy and paste to enjoy.

Tessa Russell ● 66d

Once when taking a particular route for the first time and having been phoned up to check I was alright I announced "Yes, there's a map showing where I am and where the next stop is." Only to then discover that although we were moving - the progress of the bus on the map wasn't.  Sigh.  Also: Roll on all those promised digital displays on bus stops so you don't need to take a phone out to find out when the next bus is arriving - or isn't.

Philippa Bond ● 66d

On a bus I once put Google maps on and put in my destination. On the bottom left the speed is shown. What a surprise. Try it.

Nicholas Beard ● 66d

I agree but perhaps he was watching out for cyclists tailgating him. However, it’s unforgivable that after Jim fell, the driver apparently made no attempt to assist him.

Steve Taylor ● 67d

True, but should be aware door is still open.

Janice Evans ● 67d

I would suggest that bus drivers are so preoccupied with looking out for cyclists  , negotiating narrow roads due to the imposition of cycle lanes, being extra careful about opening doors at the ridiculous bus islands, being cautious when pulling off in case some elderly folk aren’t seated, and of course the normal stress of driving a huge bus around London. It’s unforgivable that this particular driver didn’t even try to assist Jim but please spare a thought for all bus drivers who have to endure all the stresses mentioned above, plus more. It’s not surprising that their concentration can fail occasionally.

Steve Taylor ● 67d

Janice is right. Why would drivers exceed the speed limit unless they had a schedule to keep to? This issue would be solved if the bus companies made it clear to their employees that adhering to the law was more important than adhering to a timetable.

Francis Rowe ● 67d

That is a known problem Susan, they speed up when they can to keep onschedule.

Janice Evans ● 69d

Best wishes Jim,I hope you are back to your best soon.

Keith Iddon ● 69d

'On the whole, I admire the job London's bus drivers do'I certainly wouldn't want to steer a double decker through London traffic but too many of them are cavalier. There's a lot of speeding, with most seeming to think that the 20mph limit doesn't apply to them.

Susan Kelly ● 69d

Yep,the other morning i was traveling early,district line was down so got a bus to hammersmith. For some unknown reason and two seperate banks, my dibit cards would not work. Usually the bus drivers chuck people off,not that they are genuine. But this lady driver said it happens and waved me on.So yes,good and badTurns out i had to use the chip and pin on both cards for security reasons to anable contactless to work. It indeed worked on both cards. This happened about a year ago,if you dont use the chip and pin for some time they sometimes stop the contactless from working until you use the chipand pin.

Julian Pavey ● 69d

On the whole, I admire the job London's bus drivers do, but there's always a few bad apples around. Best wishes for a full recovery, Jim.

Colin Jordan ● 69d

Hope you are feeling better soon, you should always take details from witnesses, expect you were to shaken.

Janice Evans ● 69d

Yes that’s a terrible story.

Steve Taylor ● 69d

I'm sorry to hear that, Jim. I hope you're recovering okay. I agree that there are too many bad bus drivers, given that one is too many.

Susan Kelly ● 69d