THE Daily Echo today launches "Bus Watch" - a new drive to give you a voice on Southampton's controversial bus service.

Angry passengers have bombarded the Daily Echo with complaints since First Southampton bus company gave its routes an overhaul.

Commuters claim buses have failed to turn up and are hopelessly late.

Two routes were also originally earmarked for the chop but reinstated after passenger complaints.

First Southampton claims the route changes are for the better and have shown increased passenger numbers.

Government minister Lord Whitty came to meet transport chiefs in the city earlier this month and looked at the problem.

He said new laws launched this year would mean a shake-up like the one carried out by First Southamp-ton should never happen again.

Under current legislation, bus companies only have to give six weeks' notice before altering services but the new Transport Act would mean the firms would have to work more closely with local councils. Critics claim First Southampton did not fully consult the public or the city council on the changes which affected services to schools and hospitals. Those claims are denied by the company

The city council's executive member for transport, Councillor Richard Williams further says the situation, particularly for pensioners, is abysmal.

For the full story see today's Daily Echo