Vox-pop: Arriva bus strike divides opinions in Darlington

• Arriva bus drivers on strike call for public support

Maureen Alderson, 37, of Darlington said: “I only get the bus once a week, so the strikes don’t massively affect me. I feel bad for the older community though who use the buses regularly as I think it might stop them going out and coming into town.”

Kieran Hall, 19, of Darlington said: “Yesterday I waited two hours for a bus and it didn’t come which isn’t great when your stood in the freezing cold. I think it’s going to cost people their jobs because they won’t be able to get to and from their work. I think it will also limit how much older people can go out because if they don’t have family or connections they’re stuck at home.”

Patricia Haycock, 66, of Darlington said: “The strikes have been hard because now I’m not sure how I’m going to get home. I agree with the bus drivers wanting a decent wage though.”

Marie Pearson, 44, of Darlington said: “I agree they should go on strike, the only trouble is now I may have to walk home from work which is a long walk. The bus drivers do put up with a lot though especially from the young people so they deserve more money."

Jon Burnside, 49, of Darlington said: “I normally walk and don’t use the buses, but I’ve noticed quite a lot of the backbone routes aren’t running. I feel sorry for the elderly population and young mums who rely on the buses.”

Susan Park, 54, of Darlington said: “I think the businesses in the town have definitely suffered since the strike. I work in a newsagents and I’ve definitely noticed how much quieter it is. The strike could have been organised better I think.”

Lisa England, 29, of West Auckland said: “My husband is a bus driver, so I think it’s right they should go on strike as why shouldn’t they be paid the same as someone else doing the same job. I think it might cause a slight inconvenience to the elderly though who may have hospital appointments they need to get to."

Lucy Rose, 19, of Darlington said: “It’s not ideal, I’m getting my mum to pick me up just in case the buses aren’t running as I don't want to risk it. I think they should go on strike though as it’s only for a short period of time and things will go back to normal soon.”

Belinda Uzzell, 50, of Darlington said: “I think it will have quite a big impact on people who have to get to work on time as they will have to plan their journeys. It will take more time out of their day. Taxis are quite expensive also so it’s costing people more money.”