Worst Group - An Apology

Not from me - from them. First Bus has apologised to its passengers for a "significant number" of delays caused by roadworks. The company said the problems were being caused by an extensive programme of roadworks. All First services from East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian, the Borders and Queensferry are affected, they said.

Here's the bit that made me laugh:

"Therefore, it is important that we advise our passengers that they may need to alter their travel arrangements to take account of the impact these external factors are having on our ability to deliver the regular, fast and efficient services our customers expect - and deserve."

Here's my message to Sir Moir Lockhead - I already have altered my travel arrangements. I now use Lothian Buses instead.

Worst Group Recognised by the Queen...

You may have gathered, dear reader, that I'm not a great fan of First Group. So when I read today that group chairman Moir Lockhead has been given a knighthood in the Queen's birthday honours list I thought this must be the start of the silly season. But, no, apparently it's true.

My trip to Aberdeen on Friday was with First Scotrail. Here's the timetable of events.




11.10 Due to depart Edinburgh Waverley, Platform 14

11.11 Announcement to passengers sitting patiently waiting for departure that they should get off as the train that will actually go to Aberdeen is now pulling in to Platform 14 - despite numerous reservation tickets prominently displayed on the first train.

11.12 Passengers disembark original train - despite the announcement, no sign of replacement service on Platform 14.

11.20 Empty train arrives at Platform 13.

11.22 Frantic First Scotrail staff inform bemused passengers that the train now at Platform 13 is actually the Aberdeen train, when they previously advised it would pull in to Platform 14.

11.30 Depart Edinburgh Waverley - no reservations on any seats so passengers are sitting anywhere that takes their fancy.

11.35 First apology from First Scotrail.

13.00 Arrive Dundee - passengers for Arbroath, Montrose and Stonehaven are told to leave the train to catch the next scheduled service from Dundee as our train is late and would be travelling 'non-stop' from Dundee to Aberdeen.

13.01 Disgruntled passengers vent their feelings.

13.03 Second apology from First Scotrail.

13.30 Non-stop train to Aberdeen stops outside Montrose due to southbound train on a stretch of line that is single-track only.

13.33 Third apology from First Scotrail.

14.00 Arrive Aberdeen 23 minutes late.

14.01 Fourth and final apology from First Scotrail.

Saturday 14 June - Depart Aberdeen 09.50 by National Express Railways - a lot less hassle and infinitely better service. Arrive Edinburgh Waverley bang on time.

Well done, Sir Moir - just as well your knighthood isn't for services to organising a drink in a brewery...