Commuters have been debating what to do
(Image: Bristol Labour )
Bristol Live readers have been discussing the news that passengers in parts of Bristol have been left waiting without bus shelters for extended periods following damage and delays. In Sea Mills, a tree struck a shelter on Shirehampton Road and it hasn’t been rebuilt for nearly two years.
Throughout the city, several other shelters were removed after collisions or other damage. Residents have been told it can take many months before they are replaced.
The council states insurance claims are the primary reason for the delay. If they erect a new shelter too quickly, they say it could impact the claim.
Councillors addressed the issue at a recent meeting and described the process as “frustratingly slow”. Discussions also continue in some locations, such as Long Cross in Lawrence Weston next to the Roman Villa, where other organisations must give approval before work can commence.
Replacement shelters are kept in reserve so they can be installed once approval comes through.
Readers have firm opinions about what should happen in the interim. Some say the solution is straightforward, whilst others highlight cost, wind, and how far people should be expected to walk.
One reader Nuttynige writes: “Why wait for 2 years? Get an Uber or walk.”
Gerryatrick adds: “I saw someone holding in their hand something that kept them dry, I think they call it a UMBRELLA!”
Blackbeard83 replies: “Which are great until you get some windy weather. As a 1 off, perhaps not every week.”
Bristollivecomic comments: “Uber is fine as a one off-solution, but the cost certainly ain’t sustainable. How far are you expecting people to walk? This one used to get smashed up, now it’s a tree. How’s your luck? Just build one of them metal ones, so long as it keeps the rain off and some of the wind out.”
Fluffball says: “Many rural village bus stops don’t have shelters, and they manage.”
StGeorgegas writes: “BUS, don’t make me laugh I was waiting for a number 16 yesterday it said 5 minutes then SURPRISE… it said ‘cancelled’ so I started walking. Blimey it passed me 6 or seven minutes later, cheers First Bus!”
Ajsamuels suggests: “How about replacing the bus shelter by the Lidl store on Muller Road. It was removed four years ago when the road was dug up to make the bus lane and has never been rebuilt.”
While over on our Facebook page, Linden Gray comments: “It’s the same in quite a few places around the city… No shelter’s, but they expect you to stand there in the freezing cold in the rain and somehow still manage to charge you more, and then the bus just does a ghost on you. Welcome to the wonderful green 15 minute city… Great isn’t it.”
Anne Davis adds: “Have to rely on buses. Just to make our lives better, they remove shelters. Not to worry, we pensioners don’t mind getting soaked or freezing, it is all par for the course. Have a great Wednesday.”
Do you believe that 2 years is a long time to wait for a shelter? Comment below or HERE to join in the conversation.