This is Staffordshire --A LEADING bus operator is considering timetable changes after complaints about queues at the new city centre station.
First Bus passengers say they have to disembark before pulling into the Hanley station to avoid the queues.
But Stoke-on-Trent City Council says part of the problem is being caused by buses arriving too early.
Ady Culpin, spokesman for First Bus, blamed the location of the station.
He said: "We are talking to the council to try to iron out some of the problems we are experiencing, such as waiting to access bus bays in the bus station which has been causing reliability issues."
A solution suggested by First Bus has been for several routes to call at more central locations.
Mr Culpin added: "We have implemented some changes to services that make it easier for customers to access the main shopping complex, but we still have some services that travel directly to the station not serving the main area of shops.
"We have received a number of complaints from our elderly customers who state the distance between the shops and the bus station is too far and so we will be looking at ways to try and improve this."
Passengers yesterday said they would welcome additional stops in the city centre.
Arthur Allcock, aged 89, from Longton, said: "I walk with a stick. As decrepit as the old bus station was, it was in a much better location.
"The new station is just that bit further out and it's a slight incline, so by the time I get to the centre of town I'm shattered.
"If First Bus decided to drop people in the centre of town, I would be all for it."
Olivia Baines, aged 23, from Baddeley Green, added: "There are quite a lot more delays now than there were before, but it seems as though it's mostly because of buses queuing in and out of the station.
"Sometimes the drivers have to do a six point turn just to get out of the bay."
But Councillor Ruth Rosenau, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transportation, said delays were caused by buses arriving too early for their stand.
She said: "The station is a modern, well-used facility that is helping to rejuvenate our city centre.
"We have had lots of positive feedback.
"The display screens are designed to give the latest details on bus times and information, and comply with accessibility laws.
"Any concerns buses are not running to time are matters for the operators – there are no operational aspects of the bus station that would cause this.
"We are aware that bus journey times may be faster during the school holidays, with fewer vehicles on the roads.
"This creates the potential for buses to run early and sit at stands, blocking other buses.
"We have asked the bus operators to work with us to maintain punctuality of services during the school holidays." Reported by This is 10 hours ago.