National Express is to axe bus services along Birmingham’s Broad Street after 8pm at weekends – because its vehicles get stuck in traffic.
The company wants the street to be available to public transport and taxis only and said it cannot work alongside the private traffic.
Broad Street’s manager Mike Olley attacked the changes, which start this weekend, and hs called for a meeting with National Express.
Pub and clubgoers will have to walk up to 15 minutes to Sandpits Parade or Ladywood Middleway to hop on a bus.
Kevin Chapman, from the West Midlands Campaign for Better Transport, said: “It’s a totally and utterly over the top reaction to the problem of traffic.
“It puts people off using buses and will only add to the congestion as the demand for taxis will increase.”
Mr Olley said: “Most people use taxis to get home but there are a significant number who rely on buses. I hope that we can sort this out.”
Services being diverted include the 21, 21A, 22, 23, 24, 29 and 29A.
Buses leaving Birmingham will now be diverted at Paradise Circus to follow Sandpits Parade and Summer Hill Road to meet Ladywood Middleway.
A spokesman for National Express, said: “Our buses are delayed by an average of 20 minutes impacting thousands of people.“
