SIR – I would like to reply to the letter from B Smith, of Ronkswood, with regard to litter on the buses (Worcester News, January 28).

Having been a British & Continental coach driver for 26 years (retired for seven) and having done three tours of duty with the BMMO, now First Group, over the years since 1978, I felt I could not let the letter go unanswered.

Pride in the job does not now, unfortunately, come into the equation at all, sir.

Once upon a time, in the distant past, schedules were a lot looser than they are now and we could take time to tidy up and then we could be proud to say ‘I work for the Midland Red’.

Now the only thing of importance to First Group is timing.

Service routes are timed rigorously, one after the other. There is no time in between to do litter picking duty. The drivers start anytime after 0430 hours and finish anytime after 0030 hours.

They put up with abusive passengers, drunks, whiners and whingers.

Give them a break. If you don’t like the state of the bus then do them a favour – either pick it up yourself and bin it or walk.

ELIZABETH OAKEY
Holt Heath