Shaping Birmingham’s Transport

The first post in a long time, and I’d like to start with an apology for leaving this so long – with most of the steering group involved in A Level exams and being out the country in the periods after the conference, we didn’t have the resources to ensure the blog was kept up to-date. That said I’m pleased to publish the first set of feedback and outcomes established at the Shaping Birmingham’s Transport conference. There is a mass of information out there, and for the same reasons The Telegraph didn’t release all the MP’s expenses data at once, neither will we. A special thanks to Sandra Hale from Birmingham City Council who collated and processed everything written down on the day too – we’re all very much appreciative. Bilal will be preparing a report of all the feedback after all the input has been published here – the easiest way to keep up-to-date is to subscribe to the RSS feed.

We’ll be starting by listing what you felt were your concerns, with the focus for today’s post being on public transport. Most of the issues here regard the journey itself, with some delegates feeling problems include:

• The Midlands Metro is full in the morning
• Congestion on the roads is a problem
• Public transport is too expensive to use
• There is overcrowding on public transport; it’s uncomfortable having to stand, and many people prefer therefore prefer the comfort of their own car.
• Anti-social behaviour on public transport can be a problem.
• Change isn’t given on National Express buses
• Public transport isn’t always reliable
• Disabilities should be further considered
• Fares are constantly rising.
• Train stations are not always localised.
• Bus frequencies aren’t always consistent, and don’t always keep to time.
• Finding bus routes and stops can be difficult.

Another area that was particularly picked up on was journey planning when using public transport:

• Buses do not provide journeys to deprived areas, or outer city areas.
• Buses will not drop you off where you want – lack of connectivity.
• Poor co-ordination on changing buses.
• Buses are not frequent enough.

Other miscellaneous issues on public transport include:

• Bus drivers have little protection or power and are at risk – the police text reporting service helps though.
• Bus drivers do not care if people are drinking on the bus.
• Bus drivers can be rude or arrogant towards young people.
• Laws or fines aren’t always enforced on public transport.
• Better bus lanes and junctions are required.
• More stations for trains are required.
• Is the idea of a green bus contradictory?
• Chewing gum is often stuck on bus seats?

More to follow.