Bus company First launch investigation after Barne Barton bus bell bust-up

A BUS company has launched an investigation after a bus was brought to a standstill following an argument between the driver and passengers.

Tanya Parsons was on the number 3 First bus travelling from Barne Barton towards the city centre when the incident occurred at around 3pm on Tuesday at Pool Park Road.

Passengers-were-reportedly-moving-around-on-the-bus-and-persistently-ringing-the-bell

Ms Parsons, aged 30, from St Budeaux, was travelling from Barne Barton to St Budeaux Square with her four children, aged two, three, seven and eight, and other parents and their children.

She said: "There were six adults and children aged between two and eight.

"A child pressed the bell a couple of times and the driver pulled over and refused to move the bus any further.

"He phoned the police to come to the bus stop because a child had pressed the bell – it's ridiculous. We've all phoned the bus company to complain."

Police spokesman PC Baxter Provan said the bus company had called the constabulary reporting an unruly passenger who was refusing to leave the bus.

He said: "The driver said one of the children or an adult had been continually pressing the bell non-stop. There were mothers and children on the bus and they were given words of advice."

Marc Reddy, managing director, First Devon and Cornwall, confirmed there had been an incident involving four adults and 10 children.

He said: "During the journey, our driver stopped the vehicle several times to ask the passengers, some of whom were reportedly moving around on the bus and persistently ringing the bell, to remain seated.

"On stopping the bus for a fourth time, the driver explained to the passengers that he would be unable to continue the journey while the anti-social behaviour persisted. The police were called and attended the scene. Subsequently the bus continued to its final destination, albeit with a police officer on board.

"The matter will be thoroughly investigated.

"For the safety of all our passengers and staff, and other road users, we ask all of our passengers not to engage in any activity that might distract our drivers from the job they are doing."