Investigation into bus horror stories launched

12.00.00am GMT Wed 5th Feb 2003

A major survey into older peoples' experiences of rude behaviour by bus drivers and examples of erratic bus driving has been launched by the London Assembly Liberal Democrats.

Lynne Featherstone, Lib Dem Transport spokesperson, has written to pensioner groups throughout London to hear their views on the capital's bus services.

"I hear of many complaints about the behaviour of bus drivers. Sometimes they refuse to open the doors on buses or lower ramps, which is particularly upsetting for older people with mobility problems."

"Some bus drivers seem to think they are on a race track rather than on a busy London road and subject their passengers to alarmingly high speeds.

"Even more worrying are reports of drivers using their mobile phones whilst behind the wheel."

"Many older people are reliant on their local bus service as their main means of transport, so I am writing to pensioners' groups to find out how common these problems are."

"Lynne Featherstone would welcome the views of other older bus users. For a copy of the survey please call 0207 983 4798."