A DEDICATED Worcester councillor has persuaded bus chiefs to install a new bus stop on a popular city route.
The Observer reported late last year on Coun Alan Amos’ calls for a better service for city commuters from First Buses after prolonged criticisms of timetables and routes served.
Both Coun Amos and the Observer were inundated with letters from irate city commuters who shared the concerns and frustrations expressed by the outspoken councillor.
Among the complaints was the lack of bus stop close to the medical centre in St John’s meaning elderly residents faced a challenging walk to make appointments at the doctors.
But thanks to pressure from Coun Amos, First Buses have now made it easier for passengers to reach the medical centre by introducing a new stop.
Coun Amos was due to have met First Buses managers yesterday (Tuesday) on site to agree the exact location of the new stop.
He told the Observer: “Because of my campaign, an elderly lady wrote to me because the no. 30 stops short of the Medical Centre so she and others have real difficulty getting there.
“After discussions with the managing director of First Buses, we have come up with a good solution which is to create a new bus stop in the Bromyard Road bus lane located immediately after the bus has turned out of Tudor Way.
“The stop will be on the inward-to-city direction only but since the service is circular this should be acceptable.
“People can then easily access the Medical Centre and Retirement complex using the pelican crossing,” he added.
As well as a new stop, Coun Amos has also secured funding to put up a shelter at the proposed new location.
“This is particularly important given that many of the passengers are elderly,” Coun Amos said.
“Whilst I have been very critical of First Buses for bad service, equally, praise should be given where it is due.
“So I thank the company for responding so promptly and positively to my request to improve this service.
“I am working very hard with First Buses to improve services throughout the city,” he added.
