Today having just missed the No.17 I caught the No.13 into work as no No.17 had appeared in the meantime (over the every 10mins it should be). However this morning I had the FirstBus Polish experience. You see they can’t get people to drive the buses around here so have had to look further afield and ended in Poland. This means that in the future they might actually be able to run the published timetable (so at 4:30pm onwards the No.18, the return leg, does actually run every 10mins rather than once an hour as it has been known to .. hence I walk home). It was my first experience and I have to say although maybe a bit slower at bus stops it was very pleasant and much more friendly/ caring than the usual Pompey Bus Driver. He repeated the ticket you asked for to check he’d understood and not cause problems .. also the drive (in a minibus style bus that screams for a more powerful engine) was a good deal gentler than of usual on these buses (hence my usual avoidance of them if possible). I think because he was asking it in a nice manner nobody seemed to be annoyed, mind you it was also relief that maybe we’ll get a decent morning service back. I think over all it’s a good thing, just a shame we have to import drivers to get the service we expect. No doubt as they get to know the routes better and their English improves the stops for tickets will get quicker, let’s hope the nice service stays, and you know I think it will… as long as the Pompey Yoof don’t cause problems.