Customers don’t seem to count

I CAN understand both sides of the argument when it comes to the Quality Contract Scheme for buses in the Nexus area.

Bus companies don’t want to be dictated to by those in public authorities, who often have no experience of running a business. That is understandable.

Just look at the state of Sunderland and how much better it would be if it weren’t for public servants who haven’t a grip of the real world. We might have a city that is welcoming instead of something that has more disused areas and unsightly places than after the Second World War.

But the bus companies have only themselves to blame. Getting around Sunderland after 6pm and on weekends is a joke. Some services on Sundays don’t start until 10am. Where’s the public service in that decision?

Without a car, you depend on these services.

Trust me, I’ve lost count of the times Stagecoach has left me waiting for its 23 service – Will it, won’t it turn up evenings and weekends?

And then you look at some of the crazy decisions. The once 535 ran along Durham Road and connected large areas of the south of Sunderland to Houghton, via the former pit villages. Then it was dumped, even though it was always a busy service. Half- heartedly, Go North East put on a 35 running once an hour, but it stops running evenings and weekends. Now it’s just easier to get taxi because the cost of getting two buses and constant timetable tweaks mean it’s cheaper, easier and more reliable by cab.

Why do you think the bus lanes on Durham Road became no car lanes? Simple, because this busy arterial route is badly served by buses. It should be open to all vehicles after 6pm as so few buses are around after that time to justify them.

It all comes down to one thing. We, the public, don’t count for much. We’re customers of the bus companies, but they don’t listen to their customers.

And the public servants care only about their expenses and salaries.

We, the public, just fund white elephant after white elephant.

And there are more of them in Sunderland than buses after 6pm or on Sundays! Mr D Alanson, East Herrington