Hulley's of Baslow (Defunct)

[Hyebone]

Whether they did 'the right thing' is very much dependant on whether the driver's planned further duties were covered, or whether this directly led to [further] dropped trips.

That is very true.

 

[SLC001]

Did the PI result in further restrictions which has affected operations? More buses are tracking today I think - 10 maybe if I read Bustimes correctly noting that it is not always tracking every vehicle.
Sacking the driver is a no win situation and the resultant bad publicity doesn't help either.

 

[mayneway]

Whether they did 'the right thing' is very much dependant on whether the driver's planned further duties were covered, or whether this directly led to [further] dropped trips. I, for one, would rather be on a bus being driven by a driver who had been disciplined than waiting in vain, in the cold and wet for one that should have been driven by a driver who had been dismissed and not replaced.

It simply demonstrates the type of drivers they are recruiting when one is happy to drive a bus in service with passengers on smoking a cigarette.
As a driver myself I often look at the recruitment posts from Hulleys and raise an eye brow. They are never going to have good honest reliable drivers paying peanuts.

The phrase ‘scraping the barrel’ comes to mind!!

 

[pointer]

Whether they did 'the right thing' is very much dependant on whether the driver's planned further duties were covered, or whether this directly led to [further] dropped trips. I, for one, would rather be on a bus being driven by a driver who had been disciplined than waiting in vain, in the cold and wet for one that should have been driven by a driver who had been dismissed and not replaced.

No doubt led to dropped trips, sacking a driver won't have helped one bit. Unless the driver had a history of stunts like this, sacking seems something of a nuclear option. Wouldn't know the full circumstances myself, so shan't comment much further.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 Mar 2025 ==

Did the PI result in further restrictions which has affected operations? More buses are tracking today I think - 10 maybe if I read Bustimes correctly noting that it is not always tracking every vehicle.
Sacking the driver is a no win situation and the resultant bad publicity doesn't help either.

If it did, seems a bit pointless on the TC's part - surely they'd want Hulleys to operate to the fullest of their abilities and cover as much of their network as is possible - restricting the usable discs would simply make that more difficult for them than it already is, no?

 

[ChrisC]

It simply demonstrates the type of drivers they are recruiting when one is happy to drive a bus in service with passengers on smoking a cigarette.
As a driver myself I often look at the recruitment posts from Hulleys and raise an eye brow. They are never going to have good honest reliable drivers paying peanuts.

The phrase ‘scraping the barrel’ comes to mind!!

One day last summer I travelled between Eyam and Bamford on the 257 which was a double decker. On the narrow winding road between Grindleford and Hatherthesage the bus was driven at a dangerously fast speed around bends. I was sitting downstairs and was actually quite frightened in case we met something coming in the opposite direction on one of the bends. On arrival in Hathersage a man came down from upstairs looking quite white in the face and distressed. Perhaps I should have reported this. I must admit I am not so keen on travelling with Hulleys again after that journey.

 

[Flange Squeal]

Hulleys don't get much good press nowadays, do they...

Shocking video shows driver smoking while driving bus near Chesterfield Royal Hospital

A passenger said he could smell cigarette smoke while travelling on a Chesterfield bus.

www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk

This quote in that article caught my eye. How many weeks after the changes came into effect did their own website finally get updated with the revised timetables? I’m not surprised people took time to get used to them!

Speaking about the issues with 55 bus service in Wingerworth, Alf Crofts said: "There have been some recent timetable changes which although widely publicised, some people are still getting used to.”

 

[derbybusdepot]

One day last summer I travelled between Eyam and Bamford on the 257 which was a double decker. On the narrow winding road between Grindleford and Hatherthesage the bus was driven at a dangerously fast speed around bends. I was sitting downstairs and was actually quite frightened in case we met something coming in the opposite direction on one of the bends. On arrival in Hathersage a man came down from upstairs looking quite white in the face and distressed. Perhaps I should have reported this. I must admit I am not so keen on travelling with Hulleys again after that journey.

Was it still late too. Some of the timetables were ridiculously tight, think have improved on that now!

Think they just cannot register new services at the moment, no other restrictions as far as I am aware.

Main issue seems to be the fleet, buses off for MOT, hired in buses that are quite old an unreliable. Can't run a bus service without a bus. Either lots of bad luck or bad planning to blame for such a stark shortage.

 

[SLC001]

If PI had concerns about safety, and a traffic manager would possibly help in that respect in the longer term, then I would imagine safety would take priority over running the service. The fleet is elderly and resources stretched but I am wondering.

 

[MotCO]

Main issue seems to be the fleet, buses off for MOT, hired in buses that are quite old an unreliable. Can't run a bus service without a bus. Either lots of bad luck or bad planning to blame for such a stark shortage.

The uncoupling with Go-Coach may have exacerbated the vehicle shortage since swaps are no longer possible.

 

[AWK]

Did the PI result in further restrictions which has affected operations? More buses are tracking today I think - 10 maybe if I read Bustimes correctly noting that it is not always tracking every vehicle.
Sacking the driver is a no win situation and the resultant bad publicity doesn't help either.

No restrictions in discs or a temporary reduction in the number of vehicles that can be operated. The restriction imposed last week was around the registering of new services. From that I conclude that the TC is of the view that the company should be able to run what they currently have registered but they can't take on any additional work.

 

[Teapot42]

The uncoupling with Go-Coach may have exacerbated the vehicle shortage since swaps are no longer possible.

While I'm not 100% on this, I wonder if they have a similar arrangement with Connexxions? The latest bus to be MOTed was done in Boroughbridge and the day it came back, one of the Connexxions vehicles left. Could be 2+2=5 of course.

I'm told a lot of the issues are electrical, and they are struggling to find an auto electrician to fix them.

 

[YX73OUB]

This quote in that article caught my eye. How many weeks after the changes came into effect did their own website finally get updated with the revised timetables? I’m not surprised people took time to get used to them!

One also has to remember that just because a driver has been summarily dismissed doesn't mean that they wouldn't succeed at an appeal and have the sanction downgraded.

 

[Teapot42]

One also has to remember that just because a driver has been summarily dismissed doesn't mean that they wouldn't succeed at an appeal and have the sanction downgraded.

And, conversely, we don't know if they already have things on their disciplinary record. At first glance it does seem to go beyond what would be normal for a 'first offence' such as this, but we don't have any background so are just speculating.

The company can be fined up to £2500 for not preventing smoking in the workplace so I can imagine it would result in a significant sanction however.

 

[Tetchytyke]

Smoking a cigarette whilst driving a bus is slam dunk gross misconduct- not to mention a criminal offence, both for the driver and the operator- and I can't believe we're even having this discussion. Of course it's going to result in dismissal. I'd be more worried if it hadn't.

As a driver myself I often look at the recruitment posts from Hulleys and raise an eye brow. They are never going to have good honest reliable drivers paying peanuts.

The phrase ‘scraping the barrel’ comes to mind!!

I'm sad to say it, but it really does feel like a death spiral now.

If you have no money you can't pay decent wages and if you can't pay decent wages you can't get decent staff or buy decent equipment. And if you can't get decent staff or decent equipment then you can't run your service and then you have no income. And if you have no income you have no money and...

 

[Goldfish62]

Smoking a cigarette whilst driving a bus is slam dunk gross misconduct- not to mention a criminal offence, both for the driver and the operator- and I can't believe we're even having this discussion. Of course it's going to result in dismissal. I'd be more worried if it hadn't.

We're having this discussion because some people obviously have no idea how serious the offence is, or believe that different rules should apply to Hulley's. Bit like "the PI is for a minor matter and nothing to worry about".

 

[Teapot42]

We're having this discussion because some people obviously have no idea how serious the offence is, or believe that different rules should apply to Hulley's. Bit like "the PI is for a minor matter and nothing to worry about".

A lot of people forget that this forum is as much for enthusiasts as it is for industry insiders. We know it's serious but you are right, we don't know how serious, and can't find a clear answer from google. What I found wasn't clear enough to indicate gross misconduct, but it's appreciated when insiders with actual knowledge share this.

 

[YX73OUB]

And, conversely, we don't know if they already have things on their disciplinary record. At first glance it does seem to go beyond what would be normal for a 'first offence' such as this, but we don't have any background so are just speculating.

The company can be fined up to £2500 for not preventing smoking in the workplace so I can imagine it would result in a significant sanction however.

Absolutely and I agree - gross misconduct is just that, however speculation certainly seems to be the best way to describe this thread but that's the nature of the beast.

What we do need to remember is that no matter what the outcome, there are fellow humans working at Hulley's - whether they're paid peanuts or not.

I just hope they can overcome their difficulties, as bleak as it is looking from the outside looking in, they do have a long history & with the right people doing the right things & in the right positions then hopefully things can improve.

 

[AWK]

We're having this discussion because some people obviously have no idea how serious the offence is, or believe that different rules should apply to Hulley's. Bit like "the PI is for a minor matter and nothing to worry about".

I wish this forum had a "like" button. I'd be pressing it repeatedly for this comment Goldfish!

Instant dismissal the only appropriate outcome in this case. No excuses for this sort of behaviour.

Maybe the people who posted on here repeatedly that all was fine at the Good Ship Hulleys and the PI was nothing to worry about would care to tell us why so few vehicles are operating this week? Shortage of buses, shoetage of drivers, both, or something else?

 

[Trainman40083]

I wish this forum had a "like" button. I'd be pressing it repeatedly for this comment Goldfish!

Instant dismissal the only appropriate outcome in this case. No excuses for this sort of behaviour.

Maybe the people who posted on here repeatedly that all was fine at the Good Ship Hulleys and the PI was nothing to worry about would care to tell us why so few vehicles are operating this week? Shortage of buses, shoetage of drivers, both, or something else?

So, is Bustimes painting an accurate picture? Not seen any notices of cancelled services that there often was up to February 14th.

 

[AWK]

So, is Bustimes painting an accurate picture? Not seen any notices of cancelled services that there often was up to February 14th.

As far as I know bus 22 isn't tracking but is operating. That aside, I gather BusTimes is accurately reporting.

Regular services updates on the company's social media accounts stopped on 28th Feb. Matthew Smales resigned as a Director on the 28th Feb. I don't believe in coincidences...

 

[Trainman40083]

As far as I know bus 22 isn't tracking but is operating. That aside, I gather BusTimes is accurately reporting.

Regular services updates on the company's social media accounts stopped on 28th Feb. Matthew Smales resigned as a Director on the 28th Feb. I don't believe in coincidences...

That would seem accurate.

 

[SLC001]

Facebook group "Bakewell and surrounding villages" is in uproar about no shows by Hulleys. People cannot contact Hulleys, the woman who did the IT bit and social media has left, etc., it is a depressing read. Bakewell bus users group is collecting data and has been particularly busy this week. Bustimes isn't lying. The lack of communication appears to be most frustrating.
It is ridiculous that it has got to this stage and DCC have done anything, or been able to do so. Hulleys are in the sights of some user groups but public transport just doesn't appear to be important.
There are defendents of Hulleys here, but frankly you need to smell the roses.

 

[m79900]

As far as I know bus 22 isn't tracking but is operating. That aside, I gather BusTimes is accurately reporting.

Regular services updates on the company's social media accounts stopped on 28th Feb. Matthew Smales resigned as a Director on the 28th Feb. I don't believe in coincidences...

Really? Bloody hell, if that's the case the 110 and 111 have been running half a service for the last couple of weeks. That leaves a 4 hourly service to most of the villages.

 

[Trainman40083]

Really? Bloody hell, if that's the case the 110 and 111 have been running half a service for the last couple of weeks. That leaves a 4 hourly service to most of the villages.

Probably since that Solo 10? had the accident when heading from depot to Matlock

 

[AWK]

Probably since that Solo 10? had the accident when heading from depot to Matlock

Don't think that's relevant. Including the red one they have (had?) I reckon they've 8 Solos for 4 workings that need a Solo (2x 110/111, 1x 172, 1x 173).

Doesn't appear the 173 has run at all for several days. Solo 10 has been on the 170 all afternoon.

 

[Teapot42]

Don't think that's relevant. Including the red one they have (had?) I reckon they've 8 Solos for 4 workings that need a Solo (2x 110/111, 1x 172, 1x 173).

Of those, only the 173s via Cresbrook actually need a Solo. The rest have even run with an Evora in the past, although it's been tight. And E200 could fit.

Two Solos are off for MOT I believe, but you are right that there should be buses available.

Solo 10 has been on the 170 all afternoon.

Assuming it is Solo 10 and the ticket machine hasn't been moved to something else. The damage was being repaired at Baslow, not sure if that will have been completed yet.

In general, it's only new buses to the fleet plus the E400s that usually don't track in my experience. The former because it takes a few days to get things set up, the latter because they seem to have issues with antenna placement meaning no signal.

 

[AWK]

In general, it's only new buses to the fleet plus the E400s that usually don't track in my experience. The former because it takes a few days to get things set up, the latter because they seem to have issues with antenna placement meaning no signal.

Hmm... what is so different about the E400s at Hulleys compared to the hundreds of other E400s throughout the land which have no such issues with tracking?

 

[pointer]

Hmm... what is so different about the E400s at Hulleys compared to the hundreds of other E400s throughout the land which have no such issues with tracking?

Most other E400s are run by people who know what they're doing.

 

[Teapot42]

Hmm... what is so different about the E400s at Hulleys compared to the hundreds of other E400s throughout the land which have no such issues with tracking?

I don't know, but if I had to guess from the perspective of an electronics engineer I would suspect the ticket machine position means the internal antenna is blocked by bodywork, and they don't have anyone with enough understanding to know how to correct this.

The main reason for thinking this is that some have tracked, but very patchily. They either report but without the position changing, or only report sporadically.

I would guess that the ticket machines have an option for an external antenna to be used for situations like this? I would suspect the vehicle would have one fitted by previous operators - maybe not compatible with the ticket machines they use?

 

[SLC001]

Reported on Facebook via the Bakewell and Surrounding Villages page, a driver this week admitted to a passenger that there was a shortage of buses and that the problem should be resolved this weekend. Shame there has been no updates from Hulleys. Bustimes appears to confirm this.
We will see but it is intriguing and why now? Has a new TM acted! Driver shortages aren't mentioned although a few have given the company a bad name which is unfair on the loyal staff.