IT amazes me that two major public transport companies supposedly serving this area and heavily dependant on public subsidies can display such arrogance and indifference to their customers.

IT amazes me that two major public transport companies supposedly serving this area and heavily dependant on public subsidies can display such arrogance and indifference to their customers.

I journeyed by Anglia route 601 to Southwold on April 28, but on attempting to return to Lowestoft found the town was completely cut off from bus services for over two hours in the afternoon. Whilst it later transpired that this was due to a serious accident on the A12 near Wrentham, no one saw fit to advise prospective customers, of which there were a large number waiting at Southwold terminus. The local tourist information office had no knowledge of the problem, surely a quick telephone call by one or other of First Bus or Anglian could have resulted in a notice being displayed there. The delay was annoying, but being completely in the dark is frustrating. The Anglian driver on the 601 15:46 bus was less than forthcoming, although it was obvious he knew about the problem. His answer to my query as to what had happened was 'don't ask me I'm not God'.

Arriving in Lowestoft at the bus station, a 99 First Bus was parked, at the pick-up point, no driver, no notice about the delay or the reasons and no one around who had any knowledge as to if and when the buses would go again through to Southwold. As part of the bus station buildings there is an information office - never in my four years of living here has it been staffed. Is this because the companies concerned are so ashamed of the services they provide that they don't want their staff to be abused-in which case I suggest that management, not the poor devils at the sharp end, staff the office, so they can bear the brunt of public dissatisfaction.

To cap their arrogance, despite being e-mailed on the same day asking for an explanation, neither company has even bothered to reply.

It might get a result if our council refused to pay for non existent services thus hitting them where it hurts in their pockets.

No if the authorities really want us out of cars onto public transport, then this is a prime example of why next time I go to Southwold I shall use my car and judged by expressions heard in the bus queue I won't be the only one.

SIAN CHARLTON

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