Ridleys Coaches -

Natalie Watts

Ridley's recently provided the transportation for our school trip to Cologne in Germany. The driver who took us, Chris, was professional, knowledgeable and friendly throughout - we have in fact requested him to be our driver on next year's trip! He was friendly with our students, who liked him very much, and we always felt safe with his driving - this is not always the case with other companies we have used! A huge thank you to Ridley's.

Clare L

We bought an annual pass for a school bus service between Claverdon and SGGS at the start of term at a cost of £1,200. This was the only option available. Unfortunately it became clear very quickly that the high pressure and competitive environment of a grammar school was the wrong fit for my sensitive daughter and we made the enormously difficult decision to move her to another school, where thankfully she is much happier. However Ridleys have refused to refund any of the cost of the pass we bought, even though my daughter only used it four times. I'm so disappointed with their approach and would really warn against using Ridleys for school transport if you have other options. The true ethos of a company shows in situations such as this one, and we have been so disappointed in the way this has been handled, without an ounce of compassion or understanding.

Update 18/09/24: I think the below response speaks for itself. However, I would like to correct an inaccuracy. It contains the phrase, "As has been explained on numerous occasions". This is categorically untrue. I called the office on 9 Sept and was asked to email, which I did. I received a response the same day saying that the respondent would speak to the directors, but warning me that they were unlikely to demonstrate any flexibility. I chased once but never heard back, leading me to draw my own conclusions.

Gregor MacKenzie

Driver of BV69 LPJ at 18:45 on 20/5/24, forcing his way through the highlands of Scotland. I was 3/4 of the across a single track bridge, when he appeared on the other side, the wider single carriageway approaching the bridge. No planning further ahead than 10m in front of his bus, expected me to go into a tight dead end private side entranceway which wouldn't have been safe for my vehicle, then escalates the issue further by forcing his way onto the single carriageway bridge, getting nose to nose with me, when all he had to do was reverse 10m. Forced me to reverse around 40-50m all the way back across the tight bridge, dodging pedestrians all the way across. Apparently buses don't have a reverse gear, or maybe bus driver ego doesn't allow them to use reverse gears. All he had to do was read the road signs, look ahead across the tight bridge, see there was no safe way to make his way across, hold for 10 seconds on the wider road and then cross the tight bridge when it was clear. That would have been professional. Needs a refresher course. May be more useful as a bulldoze driver, or behind a snowplow wagon. Terrible driving, but great advert for Ridleys.

nirmeet shah

Brilliant driver ,who was Cody. The coach had 2 usb chargers on each row which was very handy to me and the floor and everything was spotless. I felt no sense of trepidation in the coach and the coach took us 5 days in paris which was hard-work but done successfully without any accident which is a very good thing. Overall I had a great time and great experience with ridley coaches and well done to Cody, our driver, as well.

Shannon Smith

Absolutely awful, zero consideration for passengers on board, changing times that had already been arranged months in advance with one days notice. On board toilet facilities not usable on route home, also point blank refusal to stop at any services on way home. Children felt sick with no air con on, other passengers had to empty human waste from toilet by hand just so that children had the basic right of toileting. Unsafe driving, rude drivers, all round awful service. Will never use a coach again for the rest of my life because of this company. Avoid at all costs!

Dan S

I booked a coach with Ridleys to transport guests to an anniversary party, with multiple collection points and drop-off locations. Ridleys were great from the start, corresponding promptly to make arrangements and delivering a top-notch service on the night. They were the most competitive company I could find in the area and I'm happy to recommend them.

Anthony Wilson

Just back from a 1,000 mile Shearings holiday to Shetland & Deeside,great itinerary,helpful driver but a rubbish coach. 36 passengers on a 63 seater school bus, cramped, no tray tables, no fridge on hottest week of the year, microphone only worked after driver repaired it. Shambles & the poor driver took all the flack.

S L

Awful. Just left the Etihad heading back to Birmingham...the driver just left two young girls at the event. Told us to meet back at 11:30pm. but left at 11:18pm. Despite protests from passengers the driver continued. Even when the “boss” was called, no remediation was actioned. The company, the drivers and the management are a joke.