@Ern1e - I/my management have requested CCTV footage (from inside of a bus) some have voice recording in drivers cab area too, in order to challenge a false allegation at work, CCTV "not working" was the response too, this would have vindicated my account.
It's worth remembering that some of the fleet of large companies buses are fitted with many internal & external cameras though, as if footage available it could show vehicle speed, drivers 'gestures' or even swearing/verbal abuse by driver & erratic/dangerous manoeuvres.
@Crankarm - the way it normally goes with larger bus companies (if an incident can be proven) is this, verbal warning, written, final written, dismissal, that said, they have union reps & often this can fall down on technicalities such as the managements making errors in there disciplinary procedures or claims etc.
@andyfraser - I share your frustrations.
I can't & won't mention specific companies or incidents for fear of reprisals or even disciplinary against myself & (I don't drive for any bus company) but in my unmentionable remit I witness & I am subjected to terrible driving on a fairly regular basis.
There are some good drivers too, some of those are cyclists but the general attitude I pick up from bus towards cyclists is that of disdain.
This tends to stem from some intense pressure.
Let me make this quite clear to anyone reading, I Do Not defend the driving of these idiots, simply I offer a possible cause or maybe factor (not sure how to word it) in their driving behaviours & attitudes.
Let me explain & remember this is only a generalisation & not always gospel.
Bus companies in general have little regard for driver welfare & therefore passenger welfare.
Buses are timed to get from A > Z in as little time as possible, this reduces the amount of buses & drivers to fulfil say an every 10/15/20 minute service. Drivers then drive beyond the speed limit & unsafely to achieve the time given to complete the route (which is often insufficient) you would be hard pressed on occasion to achieve this in your car.
Long hours, short meal breaks, meal breaks on a bus with no facilities, no toilets or opportunity to use them.
No overtime paid by some companies for finishing late.
Some companies effectively 'force' their drivers to work without a recognised statutory break (dangerous).
Drivers sometimes 'forced' by fear of joblessness to drive defective vehicles (you really wouldn't believe what I have witnessed) or maybe you would.
Passengers/the public travelling on the bus can be complete %÷=€ insert any phrase you like & also sometimes distract the driver by their ridiculous actions etc.
There are so many factors that influence the way that drivers end up driving in a terrible manner.
I have been thrown around the inside of a bus by drivers driving insanely & seen passengers fall off their seats.
No, I can't get off the bus, my procedures are very strict & my
&$#@£€% would not necessarily accept my actions as they are not necessarily that concerned about my welfare either. I would have to go to a police station every time this happened & eventually my &€£¥$@# would find a way to get rid of me/replace me.
Bottom line is that the companies concerned have little or no concern for their customers or the general public/other road users, their 'driving' motivation is that of £££ for shareholders & as long as the wheels are turning, that is good enough for some.
Now, all of the above may look like a defence of these bad drivers but not at all.
I merely suggest that you can't truly kill off a diseased tree without getting to the root.
Finally & not that anyone needs my particular advice, be safe, be aware & if it happens to you, report it.
