Rail passengers claim bus service is a nightmare

9:00am Saturday 9th December 2006

"NIGHTMARE" journeys are facing commuters using the replacement bus service provided while train track running through Bridgwater undergoes repairs.

The town's line has been closed since November 20 and will remain that way until Friday (December 8) as some 10,000 metres of track are cleaned and replaced by Network Rail.

But users travelling through and to Bridgwater have branded the bus service carrying them as "appalling" after they say drivers repeatedly got lost on their way.

Ruth Williams contacted the Mercury to tell of problems she experienced trying to get to her workplace in the town from Taunton.

"I was amazed that the driver was taking instructions from a colleague moments before leaving the station, but thought nothing of it," she said.

"However, after getting stuck in traffic and the bus being late by 15 minutes, you can imagine my frustration when the bus driver then got lost. In a frantic panic about being so late for work, I got off the bus, along with a second annoyed lady.

"Despite being more environmentally friendly than using my car, I will never get the train to work again. I can only describe my alternative method of getting to work as a complete and utter nightmare."

Student Jo Brook had been visiting friends in Somerset and had wanted to get back to university in Plymouth. The teenager found herself stranded and alone when bus delays meant she missed her connecting train.

"The bus was about 20 minutes late and the driver ended up getting lost twice," she said.

"I ended up being an hour late and missed my connection to Plymouth.

"I think it is absolutely appalling. Everyone wants us to use public transport but it is so rubbish."

First Great Western spokesman Adrian Booth said he had spoken to the man responsible for the replacement service.

"He said early in the schedules there were some timing problems that were dealt with subsequently," he admitted.

"But he did say that he had not had any complaints from customers. Anyone that has had problems should contact us on 08457-000125."