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A Leeds bus driver has responded to criticism that First buses run late and asked people not to take it out on the drivers.

It's an understatement to say many are frustrated with public transport in Leeds, from clogged up roads and traffic jams to problems on the trains.

But after someone accused the bus company of blaming Storm Ciara for their 'normal lateness', a Leeds bus driver responded with a list of issues that can often mean buses run late across the city.

Writing on Reddit, user JohnJag9 said running behind schedule was due to 'many problems', including driver shortages, lack of infrastructure, vandalism and more.

He also asked for people not to take it out on bus drivers, adding: "We are just ordinary people making a living." He said he was only still in the job as he had two children.

The post said First bus was dealing with problems including:

Lack of drivers - and said with the amount of abuse drivers get, he 'can't blame people for not wanting to be a bus driver'

Lack of bus lanes

Heavy traffic

Road closures or accidents 'grinding Leeds to a halt'

Passengers not having fares or tickets ready

Kids throwing bricks at buses

Drivers being abused

Buses breaking down

Bad parking blocking roads so buses can't pass

In regards to bricks being thrown at buses, the driver said there were six incidents in just one day, and buses can't drive with smashed windows.

Drivers can also be spat at and threatened, he said.

He said: "There's many reasons... Please don't take it out on us drivers. We are just ordinary people making a living."

In a statement, First West Yorkshire denied there was a driver shortage and said it took abuse from passengers very seriously.

Tom Bridge, operations director of First West Yorkshire, said: "There are many issues that can impact the daily running of our services and we are constantly monitoring activity and incidents across the network in Leeds and elsewhere to help overcome problems and ensure reliability and punctuality.

"An essential part of this is communication with our drivers, who do a great job. We are fully staffed with over 1,000 and continue to recruit. Their professionalism in dealing with situations, including the unexpected, is vital and we are proud of the role drivers play in assisting customers and keeping our buses moving and passengers safe.

"We will not tolerate any abusive behaviour and drivers know they can come and talk about events in the day so we can fully support them in the work they do.

"We are now well underway with investing £71m to bring 284 new low emission buses into Leeds to improve services. Traffic congestion is a problem for all transport in Leeds and we are working in partnership with the city council to support its road infrastructure improvements. Bus priority is vital in making Leeds a smart city where public transport works for everyone as it allows us to develop timetables that give customers predictable journey times throughout the day."