Arriva, clean up your act

This letter is published in today's Leicester Mercury:

Arriva, clean up your act

I write with reference to Lorna Crane's letter highlighting the attitude of Arriva bus drivers towards disabled people (Mailbox, March ).

I am not permanently disabled but have twice, during the last 12 months, broken wrist bones, thus preventing me from driving, and more or less forcing me to travel on Arriva transport.

What an unpleasant experience it was – mainly due to the attitude of the drivers. Nearly all, with very few exceptions, were surly, morose and looked as if they would rather die than break into a smile.

I realise they can work unsociable hours in difficult traffic conditions, but their attitude as I boarded buses actually put me on a "downer". Very few said a cheery "hello" even when most passengers were pleasant both getting on and off buses (the only exception to this was a very friendly mixed-race or coloured driver who was always cheerful and pleasant).

If Arriva wish people to travel on their buses, they should clean up their act. The fares are astronomical.

The buses are often dirty (not to mention often not on time or being missed out completely).

Together with the reception received from their staff (which I consider of utmost importance) surely people cannot be blamed for using their cars.

I, for one, even as an able-bodied person, will avoid travelling on their buses whenever I can.

Ella Meah, Leicestershire.