BUS passengers are facing an uncertain ride after Blackpool Transport reviewed one of its services.

Route 44/44A runs from Blackpool to Cleveleys centre, terminating at Cleveleys Loop, using easy-access buses allowing travellers to board easily.

However, from September 20 the service is being replaced by route 33, a minibus service - despite Blackpool Transport's recent investment in a fleet of nine new easy-access buses.

And residents have complained that the new service will be unsuitable for their needs, calling for the easy-access buses with no steps and a low level floor to be used on the new service.

Eileen Frain, of Oakleaf Court, said: "I'm really worried that this service will not be the one residents need.

"There are a number of people with walking difficulties and a number of young mothers who rely on this service heavily. The main point is that these people are not going to be able to get on this mini-bus because of the step.

"My mother uses the service, but she is going to feel isolated now. I would have thought that if they really had to change anything it would only be changes in the timetable and not the type of bus.

"It seems ludicrous they cannot use the easy-access buses on route 33."

Miss Frain has written to Blackpool Transport, but is unhappy with the response.

"They seem oblivious to the needs of their customers. Drivers on the route say management's view is that old folk will have to manage."

But Tony Depledge, managing director of Blackpool Transport, said: "Route 44/44A has been shortened due to problems with reliability. All nine new easy-access buses will be used on this route replacing the old ones.

"Route 33, the Cleveleys Loop, will be run by mini-buses. Although these are not easy-access buses they have only one low step. I think the residents will find once this service is up and running they won't find anything like the problems they are envisaging."

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