A FILM-MAKER so fed up with waiting for Diamond Buses in Redditch has created a documentary on the borough’s services.
Writer, presenter, producer and editor Annie Davidson, with the help of partner and executive producer and videographer Joshua Hadabora, put together ‘UNDER PRESSURE: A deep-dive into Diamond buses’.
The 24-minute film, shot over three months, has been uploaded to YouTube and Facebook.
Annie said: “The aim originated as a personal small vent about Diamond and the services as I’m a regular commuter.
“However, as I learnt more information, it became a documentary piece.
“I was unbias and collected responses from as many parties as possible.”
She gleaned opinions from bus users, the Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for Highways and Transport, Coun Mike Rouse, and the CEO of Rotala, Simon Dunn.
She said she wanted to put questions to her subjects which had been raised on Spotted: Redditch and Coun Rouse’s Facebook page.
Annie added: “So far, this is getting a lot of traction of Facebook with over 600 views, in less than 24 hours.
“The trailer also has 340 views across multiple platforms, so I think the interest is definitely there for people to hear more.”
Annie heard from passengers about ‘terrible services’ and long wait times and cancellations.
Coun Rouse said on the documentary he had experienced late bus times but said they had improved slightly in the past ten years.
“We are completely aware people depend on these buses for their job or to go home or to see their loved ones.
“We cannot let them down, and I won’t let them down because that is what I am here in the job to do – to be their voice, their representative and to make sure the bus service delivers for them.”
The council is currently preparing long-term and short-term strategies to help improve the services, reviewing the networks, starting The Bus Travel Task Force and trialling a demand-responsive app.
Bob Baker, the operations manager for Rotala Diamond Buses, said: “At the present moment in time, we are working with all local stakeholders.
“We feel that local engagement is key, and recently we have had our first Bus Travel Task Force meeting in Redditch.”
Visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdYJqYw8dVs7vRg4myhhKYg to watch the documentary.
