Here’s a hard truth: some companies seem to forget the most vulnerable among us, and Transdev’s recent actions have left many questioning their commitment to the elderly and disabled. Let me share a story that perfectly illustrates this. During a recent outing from York, I met a friend at the White Horse chippy in Thirsk, only to have our day marred by a frustrating experience with Transdev’s bus service. We boarded the 15:10 Thirsk to York bus, which promptly broke down. Despite knowing my wife and I are in our late eighties and disabled, the driver was unhelpful, insisting he was returning the bus to the York depot and that we should wait an hour for the next one. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this the level of customer care Transdev promises? The 16:10 bus arrived, but it too broke down. Thankfully, its driver was a credit to the company, allowing us to wait on board until a replacement arrived 50 minutes later. It’s clear the harsh northern climate in Thirsk was too much for these buses to handle, but do Transdev’s bosses, sitting in their warm offices, truly care about those who rely on their services the most?
Shifting gears, York’s landscape has suffered a significant loss. In his letter to The Press on January 31, Mr. Laverack highlighted the tragic demolition of the art-deco building at Piccadilly and Merchantgate, once a trolley-bus depot and later the home of Airspeed Ltd, a pioneering aircraft company. And this is the part most people miss—this building could have been transformed into an imaginative exhibition by the Yorkshire Air Museum, celebrating York’s rich aviation history, including figures like Sir Alan Cobham and Amy Johnson. Instead, the council reduced it to rubble, replacing it with a chaotic scene of strewn containers that resembled an inland shipping disaster. Does anyone else think a blue plaque is in order—as long as it’s not attached to a container?
Meanwhile, it’s hardly surprising that the food industry is struggling to attract young talent, particularly in farming. With parents working grueling hours for meager pay, who can blame their children for seeking better opportunities? But here’s a question to ponder—is the government doing enough to support these industries, or are they part of the problem? Speaking of showmanship, while P.T. Barnum is often hailed as the greatest showman, Donald Trump has arguably taken the title in modern times. His outlandish statements and performances cater exclusively to his pre-chosen supporters, while anyone daring to ask tough questions is swiftly dismissed or belittled. Is this the leadership we deserve, or is it just another act in a never-ending show? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
