Bus users' fears over fate of lifeline service

Users of under-threat Ring and Ride have insisted it is a "lifeline" service which stops them being isolated in their own homes.

Thousands use the charity's buses every day to help them go to the doctors, shops, meet friends and visit social clubs.

They now face an anxious wait to discover what will happen to the service after a reduction in funding from the seven West Midlands councils has left a £930,000 shortfall to run it.

West Midlands Special Needs Transport has insisted Ring and Ride will continue having put forward £1.5 million from their own reserves to keep it going for the next 12 months.

But it is up to Centro's Integrated Transport Authority to decide whether to introduce a 60p single fare charge or cut journeys by up to eight per cent to cover the remaining deficit.

Passengers using the service at Asda in Bloxwich yesterday spoke to the Express & Star.

Terry Lougher, of Edison Road, Beechdale, uses walking sticks to get around and has been using Ring and Ride for five years.

The 69-year-old said: "With the normal bus as soon as you get on the doors shut and it is going before you get chance sit down.

"With this we are escorted to the door, it's made sure we are seated properly, and only then they drive off.

"It is a lifeline as I would be housebound without it."

Pat Sheriff, aged 71, of Birchover Road, Reedswood, has been a regular for 10 years and said she is unable to get to the bus stop due to walking difficulties.

"Even though I could get on the bus for free I would still rather pay for this service," she said. "The drivers are fantastic. They make sure we are okay."

Anne Rawlinson, of Old Rectory Gardens, Aldridge, has also been a Ring and Ride user over the last decade.

She relies on it to regularly visit family, go to the shops and make a trip to church on Sundays.

The 76-year-old said: "I think the service is wonderful the staff are like a second family to me. It would be very difficult to do my shopping without this."

Sheila Withers, 65, of Exeter Place, Alumwell, has used the buses for 23 years.

She said: "I am limited to where my scooter can take take me and if the weather is bad I can't get out the house without Ring and Ride to pick me up.

"As long as we don't lose the service I would be willing to pay." The decision on funding will be made on Monday.