Two town councillors have launched a scathing attack on Arriva branding the company a ‘greedy monopoly’ after a series of blunders.
Councillors Phil Norton and Tony Forrester are furious that buses are late, not completing routes and leaving people stranded.
And the duo are so fed up with the company that they are prepared to take their fight to government transport chiefs.
“I’m just about sick of it now,” said Councillor Norton. “It’s outrageous, they are not allowing enough time to complete their routes so they are cutting them short and leaving the weak and vulnerable stranded.
“I was on the 481 and my friend had paid to go onto Donnington but the driver didn’t take him to his destination or give him his money back.
“Arriva is a greedy monopoly and commercially they are so big they can do what they want. I have tried to work with them but they need to be named and shamed.
“It’s a shoddy service from a multi-million pound organisation and we just want a service that the people here deserve.”
Councillor Norton, who is also the chairman of the Telford and Wrekin Rural Bus Users Committee, said his latest complaint ended with the same old story- an investigation with no result.
“I have received lots more complaints including people with wheelchairs and prams who can’t access the buses,” he added.
“It’s disgraceful. When you see the half yearly profits we are being treated like second class citizens. I am taking this to the Transport Commission.”
Councillor Forrester added: “We are being held to ransom, we are at the mercy of Arriva but they don’t seem to give a damn. It is not a reliable service.
“Buses are not tuning up, don’t run on time and they go like mad to catch up.”
The news comes in the wake of a Telford &?Wrekin Council scrutiny review which is specifically looking at local transport.
Arriva spokesman Keith Myatt said there had been a delay in recent enquiries due to changes in personnel but the company had launched an investigation.
He said: “Due to the new personnel there has been a delay in responding to the customer comments which we apologise for. The new manager is now going through all the outstanding administration.
“The particular service that Councillor Norton has complained about terminates on Newport High Street. But this will come out in the investigation.”