'I think it's disgusting': Bus users talk about upcoming cuts to services

West Midlands commuters may potentially face a future of harder travel as the Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) proposes changes or axes to regular bus services across the region.

While the upcoming changes have left many commuters concerned, the TfWM insisted that most people would see "no or very small changes" and that some areas will experience more frequent buses to "better meet local demand."

However, commuters at Bilston bus station, which is a regular stop for the number 80 Diamond service which is set to be scrapped in January, say they think the upcoming changes are "disgusting".

Alf Homer, 61, a regular bus user, said: "I think the bus services these days are disgusting. They are mostly always late anyway. 

"I don't think they need to cut services. I think it's going to effect the elderly and disabled the most, they will have to travel further to get to the stops and it's just going to cause a lot of hassle."

Most of the changes will come into force on January 5, while negotiations for further changes continue.

Julie Wilkes, a shopper in Bilston who uses the service regularly, said: "I think it's ridiculous. A lot of people still use the services. I don't use the 80 service myself, but it's not good.

"It's alright for people that drive. But it's going to be harder for people who rely on the services like the disabled and the elderly."

The changes may mean that some commuters will have to travel further to get too or from their stops, which shopper Lisa Wood said is "ridiculous."

Lisa said: "I think it's ridiculous. I think the elderly are going to struggle the most, the elderly and the disabled. 

"I think they should try to cut the services somewhere else really.  Many people rely on the bus services to go shopping and get around. It's going to be hard for them."

Talking about the upcoming changes, Pete Bond, director of integrated transport services for TfWM said that where there are reductions - there will be a "vast majority" of suitable alternatives available. 

Mr Bond said: "We have, working with the bus operators, used the funding available to secure the maximum benefits for bus passengers – especially those living in areas where commercial services are not financially sustainable. 

"There are changes to some services and where there is a reduction for the vast majority there are suitable alternatives. I urge people to check the TfWM website for full details ahead of January. 

"The bus industry is facing severe cost challenges and is increasingly reliant on subsidy support – that is why at TfWM we are developing a bus reform plan to better secure the long-term sustainability of our bus network."

The changes come as passengers also face uncertainty over the pricing of singular bus journeys after it was announced that the £2 cap on a single fair would be scrapped in January.