Hard, cold shoulder from musical driver
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"I'LL NOT BE travelling by coach again in a hurry," said a Bedfordshire publican. Ironically, a coach driver's hurry is the reason. The man and his wife were among 10 passengers from Glasgow who had booked with Stagecoach, of Perth, but because of mechanical trouble had to be transferred to a coach run by Parks, of Hamilton.
They had booked to Toddington but the coach continued straight down the Ml, with the driver wearing stereo earphones and unable to hear the passengers' protests. When, according to The Sunday Express, he was persuaded to take off the earphones he told the passengers they would have to get out on the hard shoulder and hitch a lift or take a taxi — at 5.30 on a cold, wet morning.
This option was offered also to a passenger bound for Luton and, risking a fine at best and death at worst, he took it. The coach then continued to London.
According to Parks, the 10 passengers were accepted on the understanding that the journey was a non-stop to London. A spokesman said he would be speaking to the driver — after he had first removed his earphones, of course. It must have been an interesting chat.