It takes all sorts
Posted: Mon May 07, 2012 9:55 pm
A BUS enthusiast got more than he bargained for when he brought his hobby to Swansea.
Peter Taylor has been snapping buses and trains for more than 25 years as a fan of all things automotive.
But the transport buff's "harmless" hobby wasn't to the liking of one Swansea bus driver who showed his disgust by gesticulating at him from behind his steering wheel.
Mr Taylor said: "Though I fully understand the bewilderment that many people find in my and other people's enthusiasm for such things, it is a totally legal, harmless hobby.
"People have been taking photos of buses and trains for many years.
"Just walk into WH Smith and you will see three bus magazines and several railway magazines, all published at least every two months.
"It is not top shelf stuff.
"The actions of the driver shown was totally unwarranted and incredibly insulting.
"When I took the photo I was unaware of the one fingered result."
Mr Taylor who lives in Surrey and was visiting Swansea on Tuesday, April 10, wrote to bus operator First Cymru and submitted his photos but did not receive a response.
The 46-year-old said: "You might assume the least I could expect was a reply from them, but no, nothing at all.
"It has happened before but it is a rare occurrence.
"Every time it happens I report the driver to the company.
"More often than not I get a letter back saying the driver will be spoken to."
A spokeswoman for First Cymru said: "We expect our drivers to behave in a courteous and professional manner when they are on duty and as such we are concerned to hear about this incident.
"We are aware that Mr Taylor has logged a complaint about this incident and we are in the process of investigating what has happened here.
"We will respond to Mr Taylor in due course, in line with our customer charter."
http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Drive ... story.html