A TOP boss will face residents next month to be quizzed on the county's bus service.
Giles Fearnley, managing director of First UK, will visit Burnham-on-Crouch on February 1 to discuss local intiatives and respond to concerns regarding the service.
Ursula Benjafield, vice-chairman of the Dengie Hundred Bus Users' Group, who organised the talk, is delighted that Mr Fearnley has accepted the invitation. She said: "He's not just another corporate man, he comes from a bus family going back generations so really knows what he's talking about."
Mr Fearnley has previously shown an interest in developing more environmentally friendly public transport systems, as well as integrated ticketing between trains and buses to make public travel more economical.
First of all, however, the managing director will face disgruntled residents.
"There is real dissatisfaction in Burnham at the current performance of the 31X, the main bus leading into Chelmsford, with reports that it's often late, or sometimes doesn't show up at all, which is particularly difficult with the weather right now," said Mrs Benjafield.
The 31X service was scaled back in 2010, leaving many residents isolated.
Despite these concerns, other transport initiatives, arising as a result of a contract renewal last year, have proven a great success, in particular the "demand responsive buses" managed by Arrow Taxis.
Residents can call upon this service as needed, which will transport them from door to door and charge less than a taxi, though a little more than a standard bus ticket.
Despite only having been in operation since August last year, passengers say the scheme has greatly improved public transport on the route.
Mr Fearnley will answer questions on all these issues and more at the public meeting, which will take place at the town council offices at 12.45pm.
Anyone with questions relating to the 31X is asked to contact DHBUG beforehand at contact@dhbug.org.uk or on 01621 741177.
