Bus group sorry over lost driver

A bus company has apologised after a passenger had to help navigate a vehicle to its destination.

A driver and route trainer on First's 55 service, struggled to find their way from Bristol city centre to Southmead, less than five miles away.

Mark Gee, 22, stepped in to direct the bus through the rush hour traffic.

First's managing director, Alex Perry, said he had personally investigated the "isolated incident" and sent his "most sincere apologies" to the customer.

All drivers have access to a radio where they can ask our control centre for more information or help Alex Perry, First Bus

Office worker Mr Gee said the driver had a photocopied street map, with none of the stops marked on it, with which to navigate.

He said: "I got on the bus and they said jokingly 'do you know your way home?'

"I thought it was a joke but they did need my help.

"I stood at the front and navigated and when I got off at my stop another lady took over."

First's managing director Alex Perry said: "First has very strict and clear policies and procedures to ensure that our bus drivers know each route that they drive.

"In the unlikely event of there being any confusion, all drivers have access to a radio where they can ask our control centre for more information or help.

"It is disappointing that these procedures were not followed on this one occasion."