Students and their families in Herefordshire are voicing frustration after the reduction of a key bus service has made attending college increasingly difficult. The Stagecoach-operated 33 bus route, running from Ross-on-Wye to Hereford railway station, has been scaled back following the end of a subsidy from Herefordshire Council that allowed a second bus to run during peak morning hours.
Previously, two buses ran concurrently to accommodate the high number of passengers during the busy 7:35am departure from Ross-on-Wye. Now, with only a single double-decker service remaining, buses often arrive full, leaving many passengers unable to board.
“This change came out of nowhere,” said Ross resident Michelle Hughes. “Buses arrive from Gloucester already packed, so by the time they reach Ross, there’s no room left. They just drive past the stops in between Ross and Hereford because they’re too full.”
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Ms. Hughes explained that when her daughter cannot board, she or her husband have to take time off work to provide a ride, leading to the formation of an informal carpool. The additional travel costs are a burden, especially considering students pay around £1,000 annually for their bus passes.
Safety concerns have also been raised. Ms. Hughes warned that overcrowded conditions on Herefordshire’s winding roads could lead to injuries, as passengers have nowhere to hold onto during the journey.
Local Councillor Toni Fagan for Birch ward criticized both Herefordshire Council and Stagecoach, saying passengers “have been severely let down.” She emphasized the contradiction in claiming to support education and employment while leaving students stranded and unable to get to college.
In response, Stagecoach West managing director Chris Hanson explained that the extra service was intended only for “the first few crucial weeks” of the academic year, with an expectation that passenger numbers would drop to normal levels afterwards, consistent with previous years. He assured that the company would continue to monitor demand and collaborate with the council if extra services are needed.
A spokesperson for Herefordshire Council confirmed they are working with Stagecoach to explore solutions. They noted that while student bus passes help, they do not guarantee a seat on commercial routes, but the council aims to predict and meet students’ travel needs as much as possible.