BUS DRIVERS are in the front seat for driving forward good service, according passengers in an annual UK-wide survey.

A total of 475 people gave their views on Oxford Bus Company and 592 on Stagecoach in Oxfordshire via a questionnaire for the Bus Passenger Survey.

Organised by consumer watchdog Passenger Focus, the study was carried out between September and November last year, excluding the October school halfterm holiday period.

The Oxford Park and Ride operation was at the very top of national ratings for overall satisfaction with the journey at 96 per cent. Of the feedback received for Oxford Bus Company, 90 per cent said they were “very satisfied” or “fairly satisfied” with the safety of driving, including speed and the driver’s apparent level of concentration.

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A further 92 per cent were satisfied with the driver’s appearance.

Oxford Bus Company driver Guy Powell, who has done the job covering various routes for 18 years, said: “It reflects that people’s attitudes to bus drivers have changed over the years. They seem to appreciate what we do more and realise it isn’t an easy job.”

A total of 77 per cent of Oxford Bus Company passengers were pleased with their greeting as they boarded and 78 per cent with the helpfulness and attitudes throughout the journey.

After initial training, which takes between six and nine weeks, Oxford Bus Company drivers undertake 35 days’ extra training every five years, which includes disability awareness and customer care. But the overall score for city services was notably lower than in previous years, at 86 per cent.

Oxford Bus Company spokesman Andrew Morison said: “Our general score for the company overall was very good but some of our highest scores were driven by our drivers – particularly their helpfulness, care taken when driving and general appearance.

“Due to the impact of the roadworks across the city when the survey was undertaken, our overall score is below the last survey conducted two years ago.”

For Stagecoach services in Oxfordshire, responses relating to the standard of drivers were even higher, with 91 per cent satisfied with safety, 92 per cent with the driver’s appearance, 80 with the onboard greeting and 81 with the driver’s attitude.

Bus Users Oxford chairman Hugh Jaeger said: “My impression is that the standard of drivers is very good. They are very friendly.”

Passenger Focus passenger director David Sidebottom said: “Passengers tell us that a punctual and reliable bus service offering good value for money is key to their satisfaction, along with being able to get decent information and a friendly, helpful driver.

“When bus companies act on the findings in the survey it has a direct result for passengers. This can act as a catalyst for real change.”