ANGRY BUS users are up in arms about sudden ‘trial’ changes to 37 bus route – a decision which could affect hundreds of people who use the service.
National Express has set up a trial to resign the bus route which connects Birmingham to Solihull – bypassing Olton and Acocks Green along the way.
The proposed bus route will no longer stop at Olton Station and instead will carry on along the Warwick Road.
But residents feel let down as the trial started without any warning or public consultation and have staged a protest – with the help of local councillors – to bring the trial to a halt.
Coun Jo Fairburn (Lib Dem/Olton) said: “There is clearly strong feeling that the new route makes it harder for many people to use public transport, especially the elderly and those with heavy bags, wheelchairs or pushchairs.
“Solihull already has very high car-use, higher than other council areas in the region.”
Regular bus users fear the changes could leave them in the dark and discourage the use of public transport at Olton Interchange.
A frequent bus user from Olton, said: “The bus service has proven to be a lifeline since I lost the ability to drive last year.
“The bus stop at Olton Station is only a short walk away which is ideal when I’ve been into Solihull for a food shop.
“I’m scared the bus service may never return to the station and I will be forced to struggle further with heavy bags.”
A meeting to discuss the proposed changes will take place at Olton Library on September 3 at 10am.
