Derbyshire buses: Bus operator issues apology as Chesterfield pensioner ‘disgruntled’ after buses fail to arrive

Chesterfield passengers were left stranded on Saturday, November 8, when service X17 travelling from Sheffield failed to arrive in Chesterfield.

The very next day service 51 scheduled at 9.29am failed to arrive in Danesmoor, leaving passengers unable to travel towards Chesterfield.

Both services are run by Stageoach.

Adrian Rimington, 69, Chair of Chesterfield branch of Pensioners Convention, said: “I am disgruntled. Stagecoach continues to cause misery to the bus travelling public.

“The issue we have been informed of is that of a shortage of drivers. If you add phoning in on sick then you have a recipe for chaos.

“Oh for one of the green and cream buses run by Chesterfield Corporation that I recall from my childhood.

“The World War II Verteran who told TV that it was not worth the winning given the way the country has turned out was spot on.”

Now Stagecoach has issued an apology to their customers, explaining why the service 51 and X17 failed to arrive earlier this month.

A spokesperson for Stagecoach said: “We sincerely apologise to our loyal customers for any services that are unable to run. Buses cannot fulfil services for a wide range of reasons, many of which are not within our control, such as congestion and roadworks.

“For example, in this case, the 51 Service was caused to run late by the closure of the High Street in Clay Cross. The service was diverted due to an unannounced road closure.

“Likewise, the X17 Service was disrupted due to the gridlock in Sheffield city centre, caused by a protest.

“Across our operation, we are proud to run approximately 99% of the miles that we are scheduled to run each week.

“We would always encourage everyone who effects the local road network, including utility companies, to work together to allow buses to be as reliable as possible for the people of our region.”