Coach failed to stop - anything I can do?

thriftymanc

Sorry if this isn't in the right forum, wasn't sure where I should put it.

I needed to get the last coach at night from A to B, I was waiting at the correct stop, the driver saw me and just didn't stop. This will presumably have been caught on CCTV in the bus station. I had to shell out over £50 on a taxi or risk getting mugged or worse sleeping in a locked and deserted bus station until the next bus in the morning. There was literally no other way I could have got home - no buses, no trains, I don't know anyone who drives so no one could have picked me up.

Can I get the coach company to reimburse the money I spent on the taxi fare? Either way I'm writing a serious letter of complaint, at the very least an apology for being absolutely petrified would be something.

Thunderbird_2

Hi

I am sorry you had a bad experience that night. As for your question, I don't know, but it is worth a try.

Good luck

PasturesNew

I'd make a much bigger fuss!
Write. Yes. Claim. Yes. Phone. Yes. Pester. Yes.
Even call in the papers if they're not taking you seriously

scbk

Did you signal to the driver to stop?

dobbie82

a relative of mine worked on the buses and quite a few drivers got into trouble for missing stops to make up time, it happens but it must be reported and you should get an apology. the company know it happens so should have no reason to dispute your claim.

Horace

Make a complaint. I had two experiences with a particular coach company, one was when I was due to be picked up from the coach stop and the driver sailed right by, I contacted the emergency number on my ticket and was advised to get a cab to follow the coach and they would contact the driver directly to wait at the next stop - he did so, plus I got reimbursed. Another time was when I was again waiting to get a coach from Stockwell to Gatwick but the coach failed to turn up, again I contacted the emergency number on the ticket and was told that there had been a problem with the coach, the coach company arranged for a taxi to take me to the airport at no cost to me.

Claim compensation when you write - don't telephone as they can deny receiving the call but if you write and send it recorded delivery then they have to sign for it and you have proof it was delivered.

Good luck

movilogo

Looks like next time I hail a coach, I would record the incident in mobile phone camera. Just in case I need to claim reimbursement later.

black-saturn

I would definately write to them and complain. For the cost of a stamp you might get some vouchers or something. Did you pay up front and did you get a receipt for the taxi?

dzug

Had you actually booked a coach ticket?? It's not clear from what you have said.

PasturesNew

advised to get a cab to follow the coach and they would contact the driver directly to wait at the next stop - he did so, plus I got reimbursed.

While that looks good ... no idea where you'd get a cab number from when you're at a stop. And many people just wouldn't have the cash to pay a cab in order to get reimbursed. I think I'd insist he turned round and came and got me.

PasturesNew

thriftymanc wrote: »

I wish I knew what ran through other people's brains sometimes!

Male driver ... boobies!