Bus users get help at temporary stops

Bus passengers in Wolverhampton were today finding their way to temporary stops as an 18-month project to rebuild the city's main terminus got under way.

Commuters returned from the Bank Holiday weekend to the launch of new temporary shelters around the city centre.Marshals and guides were out on in force today to cut down on confusion and help people find their way around.

Wolverhampton bus station closed on Saturday night to allow a £22.5 million replacement to be built.

And while critics have complained that elderly and disabled passengers coming from the west of Wolverhampton will have a significant walk into the city centre, due to being picked up and dropped off in Darlington Street, others said journeys this morning had been problem-free.

Judith Grant, of Deans Road, in Deansfield, was waiting at a bus stop in Queen Street, where her friend was catching a coach to London.

She said: "It's all gone very smoothly."There are people showing us exactly where we needed to be. "I just wish the bus would hurry up now.

"I have been impressed with it all so far."

Office worker Dwayne Collins, of Perton, got off a bus in Darlington Street.

The 26-year-old, who works in Birmingham, said: "It's gone OK this morning."It's a bit of a hassle having to walk all the way to the train station but it can't be helped.

"If the bus station is going to be improved it will be well worth it."I'm not sure how easy it will be coming home tonight but fingers crossed everything will go OK."

Travel bosses said they had taken steps to ensure a smooth transition.

Inspectors and guides were also travelling on buses today to help direct passengers.

Lawrence Wilson, area manager with National Express, said: "Ourselves and Centro are employing marshals and guides throughout the day and week to ensure people know exactly where they need to be and when.

"So far today everything has gone smoothly but we are not complacent and will continue to monitor the situation."

But some bus users have expressed anger at how far they now have to walk to get to the city centre and the railway station.

Pensioner Gurdev Rai, of Albert Road, Tettenhall, caught the 501 bus into Wolverhampton on Sunday evening to go to Birmingham.

He had to get off in Darlington Street before heading to the train station on foot.

"It's too far for some people to walk and I don't think many people really know what is happening," said the 74-year-old.

"It is a shame that some bus stops have been put so far away and I think there should have been more consultation about this.

"Nobody really knows what is happening and the people of Wolverhampton have got to put up with this for 18 months."