Monopolies don't care. Competition creates service.

These type of complaint letters are really useless. I have a ton of questions and the writer, of course frames this in best light. But frequently, there's more. And the "more" here might provide a reason why the driver acted this way (though if the writer admits to poor use of language, that might be the "more.")

@ Profwilliams....you are a wiener. Obviously you have never been on a DeCamp bus. I've been a rider for twenty-two years. I now take the train as much as possible. There are very few decent drivers anymore. i have watched my fellow travelers get into shouting matched with drivers who, for the most part, are downright rude and antagonistic. On more than one occasion I have witnessed drivers doing exactly what the writer is complaining about. That he used strong language is not a surprise. He's like the rest of the people on the bus just wanted to get home after a long day. The lines are more congested, the prices are always rising and the traffic is worst than ever. But you want more questions, like some lawyer, so you can satisfy your need for "more". Ride the bus and find out what the rest of us already know. Would like to see your smug behavior when the bus driver does the same thing to you. By the way I'm a professor too.

And, don't have a conversation from across the isle either. As Americans we don't want to be told what to do and yet we can't even get the simple things right. It's like common sense needs to be taught. I.E. union workers voting Republican which means voting against unions in Wisconsin.... Go America! We're so smart!

lol Steve O. And oops, "aisle"

What do you expect from a company who has tons of service routes, but only has 6 numbers to assign to them (32,33,44,66,88,99)? It is just downright confusing. Having visitors try and find the right 33 bus at the right place at Port Authority is a task in itself. Not to mention that many of the lines aren't even listed on their website. Calling the service number doesn't always help either. So we continue to ride helplessly each day, subjecting ourselves to the only bus company available. Sigh...

I have stood for my stop after ringing bell only for the driver to skip my stop and whip around the corner in order to beat a light. The last time this happened I was pregnant and holding on for dear life. I wrentched my back trying to stay standing. Now, I remain seated till the bus stops, wasting other passengers' time, because I can' t be sure I won't go flying. It isn't just courtesy. It's safety sometimes too.

@oliviab - yeah, seriously! How can you be in a rush when you're a bus driver and have more stops to make?! It makes no sense! I understand it might be your last run before you go home but still!

drive, take the train, drive to another bus company park-and-ride or take a NJ Transit bus - boycott in some way. the only way they will change is if business isn't good for them. complaining will only go so far - DeCamp has been in business since it was a horse and carriage taking people to Newark I think. A letter to the Montclair Patch will only do so much - the examples make it seem like there is a real problem but you'll only get satisfactory answers if you force the issue economically.

And you're making this huge deal about 200 yards of walking? Sometimes the obesity problem in America makes a lot of sense, quit bitching

Yikes, I leave for a few hours and this? I think CMFAS55 said it best, though it may not be an option, I've seen and heard of these DeCRAMP issues since the mid-80's.

This is no news. But I know if I were not being treated fairly, I would find another way. Writing a letter, when hundreds has probably done the same, is well, useless.

And "John Stevens" (quotes because I have no idea if this is a real name) is also right on the money. Considering all the bad behavior folks commonly show, it's kinda hard to call out a bus driver.

But go ahead. Scream some more. I'm sure things will change......

@Zach the 'huge deal' is not about the 200 yards. Since your harping on that, it is 200 yards less time i get to spend with my family. Something else America has had a problem with for a while. Something you probably have a problem with too zachy poo. Back to your video games

@Zach.....I feel sorry for who ever has a problem with you around....I hope for the rest of your life, you will remember your own words, with no compassion. Quit your bitching. All your problems will be solved because the great Zach says quit your bitching. You are a real genius Zach. Thank God you took the time to write that.

@profwilliams: so let's hear your questions bud. John Stevens is his real name, he's a great guy too. And he's right about some of the zombies that ride the bus. Again my gripe wasn't with all bus drivers, just this one cat who's on a napoleonic power trip because he can barely reach the pedals.

I stopped DeCamping about 10 years ago now!! DeCamp could not have been more convenient as I live a half block from Grove and the 33 Grove route. At the time, the drivers were generally rude (with a few great exceptions), service was unreliable (no buses at designated times and then 3 in a row), etc. I switched to the Allwood Park-n-ride - what a difference. Great drivers, reliable and frequent service and an added bonus, less expensive! One day, here comes a DeCamp bus - stopping at the Park-n-ride and providing service across 42nd street with a stop right next to my Madison Avenue office. After weeks of seeing this bus there every day at 7:10 on the nose, I finally bit the bullet and gave it a shot. Very reliable and punctual - maybe DeCamp had come around. However it was running near empty, with a max of about 10 riders. The riders offered to help promote, even creating a flyer and handing it to DeCamp for their use. They never used it, never advertised the service and discontinued operation. I am convinced that this was all just a ruse to bolster their case in their lawsuit against NJ Transit. Have never ridden them since. A really rotten company!

I've found some of the drivers exceedingly nice, but others are just inexplicably mean. DeCamp also charges nearly twice what NJTransit does, even though we still pay taxes to support the state transit agency. It's so typical of NJ, that a few of the lucrative routes, like Montclair to NYC, have monopoly service only by a pricey private company that charges whatever it wants, while our state transit agency provides essential, but surely money-losing, operations elsewhere in the state. And when we finally got train service straight to Manhattan, DeCamp sued! I've used the Allwood park & ride, service is much better (and cheaper), but for many it doesn't work and you're stuck with DeCamp.

hostage [ˈhɒstɪdʒ]
n
1. a person given to or held by a person, organization, etc., as a security or pledge or for ransom, release, exchange for prisoners, etc.

I've had to delete several comments due to foul language and unacceptable personal attacks. And I will keep doing so if this keeps up.

Lots of misguided anger and personal attacks going on.
Never knew guys had such sharp nails! I'm just saying..