Stagecoach South West boss is losing sleep over Devon’s bus crisis

The boss of Devon’s biggest bus operator has revealed that the plight of stranded passengers in the county wakes him up in the middle of the night.

“It is something I really struggle with,” said Stagecoach South West managing director Mike Watson. “It is emotionally draining for all of us.”

Mr Watson made the comments in an emotional statement to Newton Abbot Town Council, following a row over late and missing services which have left passengers stranded on the roadside or facing long waits.

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It followed similar complaints in Brixham, where driver shortages caused more reports of stranded passengers, and huge queues for the town’s buses when they did finally arrive.

To add to the problems for the bus company, drivers are planning to strike later this month as part of a national campaign over pay.

Local drivers are among those who have voted for industrial action.

In Newton Abbot a number of routes have been affected by late or missing services, including the 77 which serves Hele Park and Buckland, the 12 to Torbay and the 39 to Bovey Tracey and Exeter.

Last week the problem was discussed by town councillors, angered by a lack of communication from the operator.

Mayor Cllr Mike Joyce told members he had written to the firm but had not received a response.

Councillors agreed that a second letter be sent asking Stagecoach to table proposals to resolve the matter.

Cllr Joyce said: “We are hearing from a lot of residents who are utterly fed up with the poor service they are receiving.

“What’s more, they’re not communicating properly. It’s not good enough, the people of Newton Abbot deserve better.”

In his statement, Mr Watson apologised for his slow response and blamed the problems on people leaving the industry and high Covid-19 infection rates.

Pay increases were now being offered and a ‘huge’ recruitment drive had attracted new drivers, he said.

Warning that some services might yet be suspended, he added: “I personally wake up in the middle of the night thinking about passengers waiting at bus stops, and it is something I really struggle with.

“The situation we have been dealing with is unprecedented in my career and has resulted in our service being nowhere near the standard you are used to.

“The next six months will be very difficult for us all but I promise we are doing the best we can.

“Please understand that this is hurting us all and some of my staff have left simply because they cannot stand letting customers down.

“It is emotionally draining for all of us as we know how much people rely on us. But please be assured we are doing what we can to try and get back to the standards you are used to.”

The bus drivers’ union RMT has confirmed that it is serving notice for strike action on Stagecoach buses.

General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “The massive votes for action by Stagecoach members reflect the growing disgust amongst bus workers at being kicked in the teeth on pay while inflation and wages elsewhere are rising steeply.

“It’s well established now that we are facing a national shortage of bus drivers as staff leave over poor pay and conditions.

“It is ridiculous that Stagecoach have chosen this moment to hammer their staff over pay. The consequences for local services will be horrific.”

Industrial action is scheduled to begin on October 18.