A huge increase in bus passengers is down to the turmoil surrounding London Midland trains, a transport insider has claimed.
New figures released by National Express West Midlands show bus passengers on routes most affected by London Midland problems have swelled by more than 8,000 a week.
And an insider for the bus firm said the reason for the surge is the cancellations and crammed conditions that have blighted their railway rivals.
“A bus will get you there faster than a cancelled train,” he said. “That’s why people are coming over. The bus is just more reliable and provides value for money.” London Midland bosses pledged disruption to their services would be over by the beginning of December – only for cancellations and delays to continue.
Commuters are fuming over a rise in ticket prices – despite the continuing problems.
A spokesman for National Express West Midlands said passenger numbers had increased at a rate of ten people a day.
Routes mirroring rail lines, from Solihull and Stourbridge into Birmingham, had seen the biggest increases.
He added: “ We are delighted that more people are turning to buses to get round the region. Our buses are much more regular than most people think, with commuters in Solihull enjoying five minute frequencies on routes such as the 6.”
The company also credited rising petrol prices for the increase in passengers.
Transport groups have blasted the latest rail price rises, which saw some train tickets incease by an eye-watering 11 per cent.
Bruce Williamson, spokesman for campaign group Railfuture, said: “Yet again, rail fares go up with no perceptible improvement in service.
“Over the last ten years fares have increased by more than 50 per cent – much more than people’s incomes.
“Meanwhile, petrol tax is frozen and overall the cost of driving remains static. How does this help persuade people out of their cars and ease congestion?”
