TRANSPORT chiefs are setting up shop in Halesowen for the day to be quizzed by local passengers.

After a year of bus services being scrapped, U-turns, complaints and new services Centro is holding the Your Public Transport Matters event at the Cornbow Centre today (Thursday).

This will enable the travelling public to talk directly with representatives from Network West Midlands – the region’s integrated bus, rail and tram system.

The event, between 10am and noon, will include councillors who represent Halesowen on the Centro and staff from bus and rail operators will be invited.

Feedback from members of the public will be looked at closely by transport bosses and used to make improvements to the local bus and rail network.

Cllr John McNicholas, the chairman of Centro, said: “This event is the ideal opportunity to really understand the needs of passengers.

“By holding these events more regularly and in locations like the Cornbow centre we hope to hear from as many people as possible.

“We are particularly interested in hearing how we can improve connections between different forms of public transport making those connections easier, quicker and more convenient."

He added: “We want public transport to be a real choice for people and we will feedback passengers’ views to bus and rail operators to help make sure the network reflects their needs.”

Two weeks ago the number 12, 13, 14 and 17 services replaced the 213, 214, 217 and 240 services “to improve reliability, simplify routes and increase patronage” but the lack of services to Russells Hall Hospital is a regular complaint of passengers.