Bus ads hinder the aged

I am writing regarding the overuse of signage on the Busways buses servicing the Peninsula area.

It is appalling that signage on local buses is allowed to cover passenger windows to the extent that it is totally impossible to see out of the window to ascertain your location.

This is particularly a problem for the mostly aged population of the area, who have no option but to use Busways to get to their destination.

I cannot understand why Busways cares so little for passenger comfort and safety that they place advertising revenue above the right of customers to be able to see where they are going.

Of particular concern are the buses which are painted over two-thirds of the bus on at least one side.

The advertising (mostly black, for some reason) in many cases covers every window from the first row of seats up to the rear four or five seats in the bus.

Passengers are forced to stand up and go to the front of the bus to establish where they are. This is particularly a problem for senior citizens, the bulk of their business.

This may be of little concern to the company as they do not produce a great deal of revenue with their $2.50 pensioner excursion tickets.

However, they are entitled to as much respect as the full fare-paying passengers.

Email, 24 May 2010 Denise Martin, Ettalong Beach