Fenton-based coach firm Procters pulls out of bus routes

“As a former Procter's driver in the 1980s, I find the responses to this report rather banal.

Procter's was founded in the 1920s and was one of the longest established bus operators in England. They survived a world war, deregulation, vicious competition, but kept providing a service between Hanley and Leek via Cheddleton.

However, due to the worldwide financial crisis which started in the US, people tightened their belts and stopped spending. Most of Procter's turnover came from their tours, not their bus service. This was the final blow for a once proud independent Staffordshire operator.

Thank you Procter's for your 90-years service, and for giving me my fist job.”

“@ Sniperrob:

Do you think I'm making this up? I was a bus driver myself for a couple of years ... early 90s.. And know some of the problems that Bus Drivers have to cope with. So I'm not 'anti' -per se.

I am telling you the facts. And re departing early... when noticing this on many many occasions, I checked, double checked that my mobile 'phone was spot on to the second, and in that regard my mobile is very reliable.
THEY DO LEAVE EARLY. You can quote technological checks as much as you want -BUT I'M TELLING YOU YOUR 'facts' are incorrect.

And the same goes for 'CLIPPING THE KERB' on a regular basis. Worst spots for this are as follows. The No.21/21A when turning into Church Lane off the A34 at Hanford. Regular occurrence; also on the same route, further along it; At the end of Wilson Rd when turning onto New Inn Lane.... regular occurrence. Another, same route, in the opposite direction ...at Hanford again, at the bottom of Church Lane when turning into the 'service area' for the traffic lights on the A34... regularly clip that kerb.

The 'crossing of the CONTINUOUS WHITE 'BOXED BORDER' -occurs regularly too, at Etruria on the No.34/34A route. This serious traffic offence occurs as the bus is leaving the A53/A500 roundabout, travelling in a easterly direction on its way to Hanley via Festival Park.

THEY ARE FACTS, WITNESSED ALMOST DAILY. SO WHAT YOU MAKE OF THAT I DON'T KNOW.”

“Just to make a point 1. They can't leave early all buses are tracked at all times
2. They can't drive dodgy as there is a system in place that records all there driving in that day and can be seen by managers at all times !
3. And for the money the passenger charter states you must tender the correct fare ! They have a float, but if 2 passengers both get on with £10 notes then all the change has gone its simple get your correct fare you use the bus every day and know the price but you are just lazy. Think ahead its not hard !”

“When we had all that snow-weeks ago now-I was in Newcastle bus station with my son,stranded because all the buses were cancelled,taxi unobtainable.
The controller there-I made a note of his name,but typically can't find it-arranged in 5 minutes that we and 4 or 5 other people had a gratis bus ride up to The Black Lion in Trent Vale.Thank you,too,driver Khan.It was very much appreciated!”

“I have used both Wardle and First (Potteries) There is another company which come by where I live that have a green/yellow colourway, I'm afraid I do not know their name sorry.
I find on the whole, First buses, dirty, drivers can be quite rude, unhelpful, they tut and huff if you pull out a £5 note, (lord forbid should you present a £10 for a journey that costs nearly £6!!) Wardle, I find the drivers, at least acknowledge you! Their buses are quite clean the majority of the time, however they can run a bit late sometimes... If I could choose any service/operator to use, it would be Wardles everytime! First, I think need a few more "secret shoppers"”

“My main three complaints re First Bus are.... (and in order of 'worst' first)

1. Departing early ... sometimes three minutes early. Some of them are cavalier in this regard.

2. Dodgy Driving. I can't believe how many of them, and how often, they 'clip the kerb at corners; And, cross over 'continuous white-lined boxed areas. Several times on one journey alone -I have had the misfortune to observe the latter.

3. Abusive Drivers; there is a 'hard-core' of abusive Drivers, who seem to take great pleasure in going out of their way to be 'rude and unfriendly'.

I am quite aware that it is not an easy job -quite stressful in fact, but there's absolutely no need to take it out on innocent passengers. I am also aware, at the same time, that there are equally, a number of the travelling public who in turn, go out of THEIR way, to be obnoxious to the Drivers -and to other passengers too.

It's difficult to see how the latter problem can be resolved because when one of those rare breeds, an inspector, gets on; -these 'bad-egg' Drivers always make sure that they are on their best behaviour.... until he gets off again.”

“Wardles not too bad ,better than most.”

“@... freebee123

Many people who use the Buses in North Staffordshire have a gripe about First Bus -and I'm one of them. But 'gripes' come in all shapes and sizes.

Do you have any specific ones....? And which of the other 'local operators' do you prefer to travel with?”

“Any chance of First going.”

“Bassett's, took allsorts.

Throughout their history, the North Staffs operator Bassett's had a very varied fleet, but always well cared for.
Some elderly and obsolete types worked well beyond their normal life at the time. From personal experience, I can remember going to the swimming baths from school in a table fitted AEC Regal IV with Burlingham Seagull bodywork during the 1970s.
In the 1980's, good quality stock in the form of Leyland Leopards and even Bristol LHs arrived, usually from the immaculate Lancashire based tour firm of Robinsons, two of each of the types are seen here on Blackpool's Central coach park. The Leopards on the right have Duple

Dominant bodywork, whilst the LHs have theirs by Plaxton, both are Panorama Elites, though the one on the very left has received an up-dated front of the type carried by the later Supreme IV.
http://tinyurl.com/bplzh47”