National Express West Midlands Bus Strike Leaves Commuters in a Lurch, Affecting Vital Medical Appointments
The ongoing National Express West Midlands bus strike has left many people struggling to go about their daily lives, with reduced bus services causing significant disruption across the region. However, for some, the impact of the strike is much more severe, with vital medical appointments being missed as a result.
Sam Martin, a resident of Chelmsley Wood, spoke to the Birmingham Times about how the strike has affected her personally. “I am suffering from COPD and Emphysema diseases,” she said. “I had an appointment last Wednesday which I missed due to the National Express West Midlands bus strike. I can’t afford a taxi fare to go to the Queens Elizabeth Hospital. I waited a long time to get that appointment, and now I am waiting for the buses to run normally, which will take ages.”
The strike was set to end from Sunday, but reduced bus services were still in effect on that day, according to National Express West Midlands. The firm stated that it would operate services “as close to normal as possible” on Monday. The walkout followed a pay row between the company and members of the union, which has left many commuters in a difficult situation.