Bus service

Press, 22 July 1986, Page 24

Bus service

Sir,—lt would be difficult for a Christchurch Transport Board bus driver, particularly one who is standing as a candidate for the board like Linda Purves (July 19), to be totally objective in assessing Christchurch Transport Board customer relations. Organisations wishing to improve public relations often employ consultants to advise on training procedures, for outsiders see existing staff procedures with unbiased attitudes. To improve the service to the public, money is being spent so that our bus drivers are better trained and supervised. New drivers now have a more thorough training programme which concentrates more on public relations. A better selection process is being introduced. Shortly, all existing drivers will be retrained, and then a formal performance mon-

itoring system will be introduced. This has required training courses for our inspectors, the management training to which Ms Purves refers. We believe that the public expect a better standard of service and, indeed, with increased tourism, the image of the city becomes of some importance and our bus drivers are part of this image.— Yours, etc.,

P. V. NEARY, Chairman. Christchurch Transport Board. July 21, 1986.