Bus company sorry over man left waiting

A BUS company has apologised after a Waterhead man complained about being left stranded in Manchester city centre.

An investigation was launched by First Buses following a complaint that one of its drivers disregarded a bus marshal’s instructions at Piccadilly Gardens — leaving people at the bus stop.

Commuter Steven Needham said the Uppermill-bound number 82 bus stopped in the middle of the road to let people on and off the bus.

As people in the queue began to board it, a bus marshal told the driver to move forward and pull in as the bus was blocking the road.

Mr Needham, of Huddersfield Road, said: “While we then waited in the designated place, another bus pulled in front of the 82 which was supposed to be picking us up.

“As we then made our way back to the 82, the driver closed the doors and pulled away.

“The nonchalant shake of the head and shrug of the shoulders as he sped off into the night were downright insulting to all.”

A First spokesman said: “After receiving Mr Needham’s complaint we carried out an investigation into this matter.

“As a result of this investigation we would like to apologise to Mr Needham and his fellow passengers for any inconvenience caused.

“We are in the process of contacting Mr Needham to apologise to him in person.

“We will be speaking to our drivers on this route to ensure better customer service in future.”

First provided the disgruntled customer with three weeks’ free travel as a result of his complaint.