AN OUTSPOKEN Worcester councillor has branded the city’s bus service ‘unreliable’ and called for a county council investigation.
Coun Alan Amos has urged Worcestershire County Council’s Economy and Environment Scrutiny Panel to examine the service provided in the city by First Bus.
The councillor, who also serves as a member of Worcester City Council, told the Observer he had become increasingly frustrated with the service but called for a ‘constructive conversation” with bosses.
“As a frequent bus user myself, I am only too aware of how unreliable our bus services in the City are,” he said.
“I know from my constituents and from talking to other passengers at the bus stop that there is widespread dissatisfaction.”
The councillor said he couldn’t see anyone getting out of their cars and onto the buses with the current service but hoped it could be part of the solution to Worcester’s notorious traffic congestion.
“Buses are used very heavily by the elderly and are the main means by which they avoid isolation and overcome loneliness by getting out of their homes to visit family and friends,” he said.
“Most of our bus stops are not covered and do not have seating.
“It is not acceptable for people in their 70s and 80s to have to stand around in all weather waiting for buses that do not turn up or arrive very late.
“Elderly people tend to plan their exact timing at the bus stop. Common problems are the lack of information about what is going on; services being cancelled; long waits followed by two (or more) buses then coming together; and driver rudeness,” he added.
Coun Amos said he had exchanged a ‘number of e-mails’ with First bosses about the level of service he had experienced.
“I quite appreciate that being a bus driver is a stressful job but the tasks they have to perform are integral to the job.
“Whilst most drivers are courteous, there is a rude and unfriendly minority which only serves to give the rest of them a bad reputation,” he added.
“The real sadness in all this is that passengers have now come to expect a poor service and have given up complaining as a complete waste of time,” he added.
A First Bus spokesman said: “We would be pleased to have a meeting with Councillor Amos to discuss any concerns he has relating to bus services in the area.
“We work closely with the County Council on all matters bus-related and we always welcome feedback on the services we provide.”
