Glasgow to find out why drivers leave
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• The Greater Glasgow Passenger Transport Authority is to launch a recruiting campaign and undertake a survey to try to find out why so many crews resign. Glasgow is about 700 men short, mainly drivers.
Mr John McPherson, operations manager, said: "There is no simple answer to this problem and it is not one affecting this area alone. Violence is probably not a major factor in this situation of staff shortage, although we fully appreciate the concern of some crews which has led to a bus curfew in parts of Glasgow."
There has been some campaigning at city bus depots for a £5-a-week "incentive bonus" and a reduction of one hour on the present 5+hr maximum driving period.
Said Mr Phil Jenkins, of the TGWU: "We have put some proposals before the new authority. We will be meeting them again soon for their answers."
Meanwhile. an 8 pm curfew, to operate every Friday and Saturday until further notice, has begun on services operating Out of Possilpark garage, Glasgow. because of previous violence.
Tips from an Edinburgh teacher
• Suggestions to improve bus services in Edinburgh are to be investigated by ClIr Ian Cramond, chairman of the city's transport committee. The ideas have been put forward by a teacher. Mrs Janet Hoddinott, who travels by bus to Leith daily.
The suggestions are: 0 Clock markings at bus stops to show which part-day services operate.
• Information on whether buses arc
going in or out of town.
El Symbols at bus stops to show which services are "pay as you enter".
D More efficient smoke extraction on the top deck of buses.
ClIr Cramond is enthusiastic about some of the suggestions and has promised to have talks with the transport department on early implementation.
Mrs Hoddinott said: "Part-day services are ringed in red. Why can't the ring be a clock with the hours blacked in during which the services operate?
"Strangers have no idea on which side of the street to stand when waiting for a particular bus. Why can't out-oftown bus stops carry the same legend that train stops had — 'To Town' or 'From Town'?
"These are just simple suggestions. It is the same each year, during the Festival. I meet people wandering around not knowing which is the way into the centre of the city."
Cllr Cramond said: "I am delighted with these constructive ideas. Both seem simple and practical and I will be taking them up with the department immediately. It could be that they could be done during normal sign maintenance."
Mrs Hoddinott suggested a simple colour symbol at bus stops to indicate which services are "PAYE" in a bid to speed up the services. She said she felt that the Corporation had not looked closely at alternative systems of o-m-o before introducing it in the city.