We call on Stagecoach East Midlands to make immediate changes to the number 3 bus service in Hull.
For many residents the number 3 is the only route linking them with vital shops and services, and its buses are frequently cancelled. The length of the number 3 queue in the Interchange highlights how under-serviced the route is, with passengers often having no idea how long they will have to wait. This especially impacts those with mobility difficulties, and those with no other transport options.
We have heard the same excuse for over a year now: that the training school is full and drivers have to complete training. The real issue is that in spite of huge profits, Stagecoach are refusing to offer an attractive enough package of pay and conditions, which has led to severe staffing issues. This is having an impact on residents across the city and undermines attempts to support increased public transport use.
Things have to change.
- We demand that the number 3 is split into two services. It being run as a single route with a driver change mid-way is one of the reasons delays are so frequent and unpredictable.
- We demand that Stagecoach East Midlands engage with Unite the Union to offer fair pay and conditions in order to encourage workers to continue in a career with Stagecoach as well as attract new staff. A pay rise below inflation is a pay cut, and drivers in Hull are not being offered the same package as those in other parts of the country.
- Should we see no sign of change, we call upon Hull City Council to look carefully at the agreement it has with Stagecoach East Midlands. This city needs a public transport system fit for purpose and the service the city receives at the moment is a long way below what we should expect as a minimum.