ANGRY bus users have slammed changes to services between Bromsgrove and Redditch after the ‘express’ X3 bus was replaced by one which takes a longer route.
Previously, the 143 operated between Bromsgrove and Redditch, going via Hewell Park, Aston Fields, Finstall and Charford – a journey time of more than half an hour.
The X3 offered a fast alternative and took under 20 minutes to travel between the two towns’ bus stations.
Now those wanting to get from Redditch to Bromsgrove will have the option of the 42 and 43 which follow more or less the same route as the 143. The 43, which goes to Charford, takes 37 minutes and the 42, which goes more directly from the railway station to the bus station, takes 30 minutes. The 42 also carries on to Kidderminster as the X3 used to.
One commuter said: “The X3 was an amazing service if you wanted to travel between the two towns.
“It was very direct and straightforward.
“If people needed to get to other areas on the outskirts of the two towns, they had the option of the 143.
“Now both routes are almost the same.”
Another added: “This is deeply disappointing. The new services will mean more than half an hour a day added to my daily commute, even more when traffic is bad.”
A Diamond Bus spokesperson said a review of the 143, 149 and X3 led to the changes which were aimed at ‘improving reliability and connectivity’.
