Confusion over Plymouth bus routes
NEW bus routes in Plymouth city centre are causing confusion and missed appointments, say traders.
Plymouth Citybus has rerouted most of the buses that used to run down Mayflower Street.
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From this week, 50 buses an hour are being diverted to avoid the area around Drake Circus, leaving just 16 buses an hour to travel down Mayflower Street.
Tom Piggott, Citybus operations director, blamed congestion at Drake Circus.
He said: "Since last Christmas we have suffered immense problems of congestion around Drake Circus. This has resulted in late or withdrawn services.
"We are amending some services from this week, through the Christmas period."
Traders in Mayflower Street condemned Citybus for poor communication and lack of consultation.
Katherine Bates, of hair salon The Cutting Garden, said: "I had staff and customers turning up late because they didn't know their bus routes had been changed."
Paul Somerville, of Somerville Gallery, said: "Nobody knew anything about this. To have it dropped on us at this time of year is short-sighted and arrogant."
He said the city centre traders had endured two-and-a-half years of disruption during construction of the mall, and once again they were being let down by Citybus and the city council.
"We feel as if we've been kicked into the background."
Ms Bates said the new road layout at Drake Circus meant they had lost their right turn from Cobourg Street into Mayflower Street.
Chris Vittle, of The Tanning Centre and National Slimming Centre, said: "Citybus is dealing with their problem without telling anyone. There wasn't even an announcement in the paper.
"They have had since last Christmas to deal with it – why did they have to wait until now? We will lose trade without the buses coming down Mayflower Street."
Mr Piggott said the company was asking passengers for feedback about the new routes.
"If they like them, we might stick with the new arrangements," he said.
Some buses from Mutley Plain that used to come down North Hill and into Mayflower Street will be diverted through North Road East and Western Approach to Royal Parade.
Buses from the east will now turn left at Drake Circus into Exeter Street viaduct and Royal Parade.
Buses from St Budeaux and Wolseley Road will also be rerouted into Western Approach to avoid the Drake Circus bottleneck.
"Any final decision on whether to keep the new routes next year will be taken after we have analysed the passenger feedback," Mr Piggott said.
"We have also talked to retailers. They are not best pleased but I believe they understand our reasons.
"From whatever angle you come into the city, Drake Circus is a problem, mostly because of cars trying to get into the car park."
Mr Piggott said even with the reduced services, delays were possible because of congestion at Drake Circus. Signs had been put up at bus stops in Mayflower Street warning passengers if they were waiting longer than 10 minutes for a bus they should make their way to Royal Parade.
31 Comments
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by b_mused, Saltash
Sunday, November 30 2008, 9:35PM
“I can't believe any qualified Traffic Engineers were engaged on the new shopping centre parking arrangements. Having a right turn into a restricted access across one of the busiest roads in town is a wonderful idea if traffic jams, fuel wasting and environmental pollution is the objective.
I must look further on this web site to see if Plymouth CC make any other mistakes.”
by bobby, saltash
Sunday, November 30 2008, 7:52PM
“plymouth is not a big city, i often get caught in the drake circus jam on the first 1a service but it only for a bit the most i was stuck for was 10 mins, not a great hardship, instead of people becoming late for work they should catch a earlier bus if they are travelling at peak times. i feel sorry for the driver's. I always find FIRST not western national drivers very polite always have a smile,”
by Alex, Plymouth
Sunday, November 30 2008, 1:58PM
“First go down Mayflower st as they dont have the organisation to alter their routes. At least Citybus can see the disaster that Drake Circus has become and stop using routes that are congested. Mayflower street is v dangerous as cars, pedestrians and buses dont mix. Well done Citybus by having the courage to act.”
by Erik, Woolwell
Sunday, November 30 2008, 12:55PM
“The bus I was on on Thursday turning right into Mayflower street had to wait behind 3 cars illegally turning right in the bus lane, thus we blocked the lane of traffic behind. The bus driver said it happened all the time. Why not fine cars doing this, or is it just another law that no one takes a blind bit of notice about in our i'm alright jack society!”
by S, Stoke, Plymouth
Sunday, November 30 2008, 11:46AM
“CityBus are just doing the best they can, given the circumstances.
It is nice to know that Tom Piggot (Director of CityBus) is listening to feedback from the Plymouth people before any definate decision is reached.
I much prefer travelling with City Bus than Western National. W.National drivers are rude and grumpy.”
by Mike, Plymouth
Sunday, November 30 2008, 11:43AM
“Oggy, I agree with you about the reading timetables & notices issues; I use the buses almost everyday, and the number of people that stay under the shelters and look perplexed when the bus drives right past them...... do people not realise that there's a sign in pretty much all bus shelters now that reads "This is a Hand Signal Stop" or to effect. Easy solution, stick your hand out!!!”
by bobby, saltash
Sunday, November 30 2008, 10:57AM
“its funny how 'first' still go manage to go around drake circus and down mayflower street, its about time they took citybus over,”
by jumper, whitleigh
Saturday, November 29 2008, 11:43PM
“Do the traders tell citybus what changes they are going to make to their shops I guess not so why should citybus tell them.This has been advertised on buses and stops for months so if people dont read the imformation thats their problem.Mind you Plymouth people arent the most gifted when it comes down to common sense and ask a driver why he is late when they are stood at the Drake Circus stop and can see the traffic situation first hand.”
by Barrie, Sunny Wales
Saturday, November 29 2008, 10:35PM
“Leigh, Plymouth ! I worked on the buses with Les 30 years ago on 20/21..Stole his girl friend off him called Linda.If you see him tell him i was asking how he is.”
by paul, isleworth
Saturday, November 29 2008, 8:44PM
“Citybus users should have gone to Specsavers. if your bus goes a different way to where you want to go then get off - the city centre is small enough for gawds sake. If Mayflower Street services are being diverted down Western Approach then that means about an extra distance of, oooh, at least 50 metres.
It makes me wonder if some of the people in this country can pull their own pants on without being perplexed by the choice of holes in the garment. Aside from the disabled and elderly, there is no excuse for moaning. Shut up and walk.”