Shropshire bus firm boss vows service will improve after passenger concerns

GHA Coaches recently met with members of Shropshire Council to discuss the concerns raised by passengers.

Bus users have complained about buses running late, not showing up at all, and poor attitude from drivers. At the meeting between GHA Coaches and Shropshire Council members, the company said they would improve performance levels.

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "

GHA have provided reassurances that levels of performance will improve, and these will be closely monitored by the council."

In April it was announced that the firm would be responsible for service 511, which runs between Shrewsbury and Whitchurch.

Bosses have admitted to experiencing teething problems since it took over the contracts at the start of June, but overall they say they have had positive feedback from customers. But the 511 service, 501 Ellesmere to Shrewsbury service, and 436 Shrewsbury to Bridgnorth service have come under particular fire from unhappy users.

People have been taking to social media to air their frustrations. Phillippa Elms posted: "It is ridiculous; recently I waited for the 10am bus which never turned up. Numerous calls to GHA yielded no help. The driver on the 11am service which I got on in the end said that the driver was on holiday and the company didn't bother to find a replacement for the route. What a waste of my day off."

Carol Prince, from Craven Arms, said: "I have experienced problems with buses missing stops and drivers being rude."

Stephen Bryce, GHA Coaches general manager, previously said: "Overall, we have had positive feedback complimenting drivers and vehicles. If anyone does have a complaint they should contact the company."