We are raising concerns about the current management and communication on our route, the 176. 

The role of a controller is to manage the route, maintain the service, and communicate effectively with drivers throughout the day. While the job can be challenging, drivers should still be spoken to professionally and with respect. Especially when we are already dealing with difficult traffic, delays, passenger issues, and the daily pressures of the job. Unfortunately, many drivers feel that this support is not being provided in a professional or respectful manner.

The concerns raised include:

Speaking to drivers in a rude, dismissive, or disrespectful tone.
Creating unnecessary stress during already demanding shifts.
Failing to communicate professionally and calmly when issues arise.
Making drivers feel unsupported rather than assisted.
Contributing to low morale across the route.
Showing a lack of understanding for the challenges drivers face on the road, many of which are outside our control.
Creating an environment where some drivers feel anxious about contacting control for help because of the response they expect to receive.
We believe every member of staff deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their role. A positive working relationship between drivers and controllers leads to better communication, better decision-making, improved wellbeing, and ultimately a better service for passengers.

This petition is not intended to attack any individual personally. It is a request for management to investigate these concerns and take appropriate action to ensure drivers are treated with professionalism and respect. Whether that involves additional training, changes in management, or assigning a different controller to the route, we ask that these concerns are taken seriously.

We hope management will listen to the experiences of the drivers who work on this route every day and take meaningful steps to improve the working environment for everyone.

Please sign this petition to demand improved route control and a more respectful working environment. Your support is crucial in initiating these essential changes.