OVERCROWDING problems on the 7.35am bus connecting Ross-on-Wye with Hereford has left students unable to attend lectures on time, despite having a valid bus pass.

Local students who rely on Stagecoach’s 33 early morning bus service have repeatedly been unable to board the bus due to overcrowding since the start of the academic year.

Despite multiple complaints to Stagecoach and Herefordshire Council by students and their parents, little progress has been made in resolving the issue.

Herefordshire Council has even offered to fund an additional bus on this route, but Stagecoach has not acted on this due to driver shortages.

One parent of a student attending the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) told the Ross Gazette that the alternative solution proposed by Stagecoach is that students should catch the 6.35am service.

Another parent, Hannah Dale, whose daughter attends Hereford Sixth Form College, said: “It is unacceptable to expect young students to wait in potentially unsafe conditions for extended periods of time.

“The alternative proposal is ridiculous as it would mean an unreasonably early start, especially with winter approaching and the mornings becoming darker.

“In the meantime, students continue to be left without a reliable means of transport. It is vital that Stagecoach is held accountable for providing adequate services to those who depend on them.”

Commenting on the situation local MP Jesse Norman said: "This is a serious issue which is making life difficult for a lot of local young people and undermining attendance and participation at our superb Sixth Form College. 

"It could easily have been avoided with a bit more thought and preparation in advance by Stagecoach. I have taken the matter up with them at the highest level and am pressing them to put on another service as soon as possible."

It is understood that a lot more students are travelling to Hereford to continue their studies than ever before, contributing to the overcrowding problem.

A spokesperson from Stagecoach commented: “We recognise the popularity of this service, particularly in the mornings among pupils and students travelling to school and college.

“This extra demand has been especially noticeable at the start of new academic terms and during peak travel hours. Customer safety is our number one priority, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused when customers are unable to board, due to the bus reaching capacity.

“We are currently unable to increase the number of drivers or vehicles to meet this excess demand but will keep reviewing the situation and consider what can be done to minimise any inconvenience.”