Bus18’s Catch the Bus Week campaign was misguided to say the least. People only look at pictures, especially on Twitter, and the ones of the car scribbled with ‘we’re through’ could do more damage than good.
It could alienate all car drivers that see it and writing on cars (vandalism) is not to be encouraged. Also, the message is a silly statement – a bit American. If it had said ‘40 of these = 1 bus’, it would at least be making a point.
Will this image tempt car drivers to give up their car, even for one journey? I very much doubt it. And have the three senior bus executives pictured really given up their cars, which is what the image suggests? It could result in a big backlash if it is found they haven’t.
Bus 18 has no passenger representation on it. They seem to be spending all the money (£173m) they are given on PR consultants for campaigns like this and new buses.
Paul Kirby, Wetherby
