PENSIONERS in Rubery have been left stranded by Diamond Bus services according to one of the village’s councillors.
Worcestershire County Councillor Peter McDonald said the older people were forced to brave the cold on November 9 after the 202 service failed to turn up and other buses on the route have faced hold ups due the bad condition of the vehicles themselves.
Coun Mcdonald said two elderly women also complained to him that the last bus of the day from Bromsgrove did not arrive at all leaving them stranded at night in the town.
“This is no way for a bus company to operate leaving senior citizens stranded in winter putting them at risk.
“Residents have missed doctor appointments and have had to rely on expensive taxies and local neighbours and friends for transport.”
On November 10, the same bus was late by 20 minutes leaving people waiting in the cold.
“This no way for a licensed operator to treat people had I have asked transport officers at Worcestershire County Council to take the necessary action before someone is completely stranded and put at serious risk.”
Geoff Partridge wrote to The Standard about his experiences, claiming they were being driven around in an ‘old crate’ which was falling apart with the driver having to leap from his cab to open and close the doors manually. On one occasion a window fell out of the bus causing passengers further disruption.
A Diamond Bus spokesperson said: “We are currently investigating reports that the 202 service failed to operate recently and apologise to any passengers who may have been inconvenienced.
“We take reports such as these very seriously and any passenger who has contacted us directly regarding this matter will receive a formal response as part of our customer services procedure.”
For more, turn to letters to the editor – pages 10 and 11.
