The unreliability of city buses is causing added frustration for hospital staff, as some have to wait for colleagues to arrive before they can leave.

Judi, a nurse from Catton, travels on the 21 from home and then changes at Anglia Square to ride the 11 or 11A, all provided by First.  

However, she often finds that the buses do not reflect the timetable or what is on the mobile app.  

Norwich Evening News: Judi finds that she is often late due to buses and cannot leave earlier, colleagues have had to start shifts alone while she battles bussesJudi finds that she is often late due to buses and cannot leave earlier, colleagues have had to start shifts alone while she battles busses (Image: Judi)

READ MORE: Pageant organised for mum who had to terminate pregnancy for life-saving treatment

She said: “It has become a regular problem, lots of my colleagues are finding the same thing – and many of us get there [to the bus stop] much earlier than we should have to, to avoid being late.” 

On Friday (August 18) this happened to Judi again, when the First app told her there were multiple 11s on the way to Anglia Square so she waited for them.  

She said: “The app was counting down to the buses arriving, but none of them ever did.

Norwich Evening News: First Buses say that roadworks have caused extra congestion First Buses say that roadworks have caused extra congestion (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Pupils campaign to fix their decaying theatre and bring back school musicals

“It was just gone 6pm, so me and a couple of other nurses decided to walk to Red Lion Street to get the 26, but that also didn’t come.  

“We ended up getting an 11 from the top of St Stephens but I was already late for work. 

“My colleagues are understanding, but it sometimes means that on the late shift, someone will have to start completely alone while they wait for me so it’s not fair.” 

Norwich Evening News: The company are keeping an eye on services and will make changes accordingly The company are keeping an eye on services and will make changes accordingly (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: 'My daughter has a rare disease that has left her trapped in her body'

Chris Speed, operations director at First Eastern Counties, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused due to bus journeys running late or being missed.

"We have been experiencing traffic congestion at the peak times of the day in parts of the city centre along with some road closures that have had an impact on reliability.  

“We are monitoring the situation and will make any relevant adjustments to bus times if the circumstance should continue.”     

A Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital spokesman declined to comment.