I read with great interest a statement in Tuesday's Docklands Metro (November 6) by T/L busses boss Peter Hendy. He spoke of the short list of bus companies, one being Stagecoach, and the other Metrobus, up for an award. I quote: "These garages have gone the extra mile to deliver efficient bus services for London. This new award will improve services by recognising and rewarding best practise."

I have to use the 261 Metrobus from Orpington at 05:10 in the morning, it is often late and the other week there was no bus at all. Wednesday, November 7, the day after the article was printed it cost me, with another passenger, £6 for a taxi to Lewisham because the 261 broke down.

The service from Lewisham is just as bad. There is a three quarter of an hour wait for a bus going to Green St Green where as in that time two busses go to Bromley Common and a third leaves 'Not in Service'. The 208 is not any better. Try getting a 208 to Orpington from Lewisham. An-other very long wait. They all terminate at Bromley Common.

If these two garages are up for an award what must the other services be like??

Name and address supplied

November 23, 2001 15:36