This is Staffordshire --
BUS passengers have welcomed plans to re-route a number of services to allow users to be dropped off closer to the shops.
From Sunday, services 1, 1A and 2 travelling through Meir Hay, Saxonfields, Bentilee and Bucknall, will have a new route through the city centre.
First Buses has announced a number of changes to its operation in Hanley, which includes allowing passengers to board buses on Stafford Street, outside the Potteries Shopping Centre, and further along the stretch, opposite the Wilkinson's store, before 7pm each day. Both services will start and finish at the station.
A new bus stop has also been put up for inbound buses on Quadrant Road located just before the pedestrian crossing under the shopping centre footbridge – making it easier to reach the centre.
Fred Pullin, aged 85, of Beverley Drive, Bentilee, says the changes will be a great benefit to elderly passengers.
He said: "I get the bus three times a week and I only nip into a few shops like B&M. It will be really good when we can be dropped off in Stafford Street because it will mean people who struggle to walk, like me, won't have to walk as far.
"I think most people will probably choose to be dropped off there because they only end up walking that way anyway."
Deborah Thompson, aged 67, also of Beverley Drive, Bentilee, said: "It will be much easier for everyone. I use the bus every Saturday and I normally go into the shopping centre, so both of the routes will mean I don't have to walk as far."
Thirty-year-old Daniel Proudman, of Shelton, added: "For me, it would actually be easier to use the bus station because I get a few different buses, but it is good that people will get the chance to choose where they get off."
As part of the changes, a new reduced-price day return ticket is being introduced.
Customers boarding between Ivy House and Hanley on services including 1,1A,2,3,5,26 and 32 and 32A, will pay just £1 for a return ticket; saving £1.60 on the current fare.
David Hibbs, General Manager for First Potteries, said: "We have been listening closely to customers and local businesses that have been affected by new bus routes introduced at the end of March.
"The new route of services 1,1A and 2 will make access to retailers and businesses in Hanley considerably easier."
Mr Hibbs added: "Our new £1 return ticket will also provide a cost effective way for residents living closer to the city centre to make use of the amenities on their doorstep."
For more information about timetables and tickets visit www.firstgroup.com/staffordshire. Reported by This is 17 hours ago.
BUS passengers have welcomed plans to re-route a number of services to allow users to be dropped off closer to the shops.
From Sunday, services 1, 1A and 2 travelling through Meir Hay, Saxonfields, Bentilee and Bucknall, will have a new route through the city centre.
First Buses has announced a number of changes to its operation in Hanley, which includes allowing passengers to board buses on Stafford Street, outside the Potteries Shopping Centre, and further along the stretch, opposite the Wilkinson's store, before 7pm each day. Both services will start and finish at the station.
A new bus stop has also been put up for inbound buses on Quadrant Road located just before the pedestrian crossing under the shopping centre footbridge – making it easier to reach the centre.
Fred Pullin, aged 85, of Beverley Drive, Bentilee, says the changes will be a great benefit to elderly passengers.
He said: "I get the bus three times a week and I only nip into a few shops like B&M. It will be really good when we can be dropped off in Stafford Street because it will mean people who struggle to walk, like me, won't have to walk as far.
"I think most people will probably choose to be dropped off there because they only end up walking that way anyway."
Deborah Thompson, aged 67, also of Beverley Drive, Bentilee, said: "It will be much easier for everyone. I use the bus every Saturday and I normally go into the shopping centre, so both of the routes will mean I don't have to walk as far."
Thirty-year-old Daniel Proudman, of Shelton, added: "For me, it would actually be easier to use the bus station because I get a few different buses, but it is good that people will get the chance to choose where they get off."
As part of the changes, a new reduced-price day return ticket is being introduced.
Customers boarding between Ivy House and Hanley on services including 1,1A,2,3,5,26 and 32 and 32A, will pay just £1 for a return ticket; saving £1.60 on the current fare.
David Hibbs, General Manager for First Potteries, said: "We have been listening closely to customers and local businesses that have been affected by new bus routes introduced at the end of March.
"The new route of services 1,1A and 2 will make access to retailers and businesses in Hanley considerably easier."
Mr Hibbs added: "Our new £1 return ticket will also provide a cost effective way for residents living closer to the city centre to make use of the amenities on their doorstep."
For more information about timetables and tickets visit www.firstgroup.com/staffordshire. Reported by This is 17 hours ago.