37 bus service trial sparks anger from passengers

Bus passengers in Solihull have hit out at trial changes to the 37 bus service which they say went ahead without consulation and has left elderly users at risk.

The 37 buses normally stop at Olton railway station but the six-month trial – which began on 29th May – from National Express West Midlands (NX) will now see the route stay on the A41 Warwick Road by-passing the station.

Richmond Road resident Adam Pearce told the Solihull News that the effect of the rerouting ‘was serious’.

“There was no consultation, just a piece of paper in the bus shelter. No reason was given,” he said.

“The Olton Transport Hub has been established for many years.

“It has the station and its car park, a shopper’s car park, a cycle shelter and four bus stops that served – until recently – three different routes.

“The only alternative for bus users to and from Solihull is to catch a number 30, but this only runs every half hour and can’t be relied on.”

Councillor Ade Adeyemo (Lib Dem, Lyndon) said: “I am concerned that users of the 37 bus from my ward will now have to walk much further, compounded by the shelving of plans to create a new bus stop southbound.

“Elderly and disabled passengers will have to walk further, often across busy roads.

“They’re not happy and feel that their needs are being ignored.”

A National Express West Midlands spokesperson said: “Access and congestion issues at Olton station have resulted in delays which have impacted on our customers and the reliability of our service all along the 37 route.

“We have discussed possible solutions with Centro and Solihull Council for a number of years and recently agreed a six- month trial whereby we will not serve the Olton Station stop, instead serving the stop on Warwick Road.

“We will review results of the trial at the end of this year to determine the effect of reliability and punctuality of our services.

“Real-time information was updated along the route and a poster informing customers of the change was displayed at Olton Station.”

Read more: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/bus-service-trial-sparks-anger-11483140