On the buses: Your stories

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37705738

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Bus usage across England is falling, figures show, but what do these passengers think is behind it?

'There was a time when it was always crammed'

Waiting for the bus to take her to work, Carmen Craig said the bus was the best method of transport for her.

The 58-year-old from Birmingham said: "I use the buses every day because I don't have a car and they get me where I need to be - the train isn't an option.

"They are regular, clean and I have an app on my phone to tell me when the next bus is and it's usually on time whenever I use it.

"But I have noticed less people use buses now. There was a time when it was always crammed - we were always standing up, we could never get a seat and the queue was half way down the road. But it's great now because there are always seats."

'They can be really frustrating'

Awais Khan, 16, from Birmingham, uses the buses to get to and from college, but says he avoids using them otherwise.

"At the weekends I usually get a lift from my dad to places, but everybody is at work when I have college.

"They can be really frustrating sometimes because they can take a long time to come. But I haven't noticed less people on them because as soon as I finish college the bus is full."

'Not a nice environment to be in'

College student Tyesha Pinnock, from Birmingham, also noticed less people were using the buses - and she thinks it is down to problems with the services.

The 17-year-old said: "I hate using the bus.

"I have noticed less people on the buses and I think it's because they are getting dirtier, they are never on time and it's just not really a nice environment to be in. People just throw their rubbish down and ruin the buses.

"The prices are also ridiculous - they go up every year and it's really expensive."

'It's quicker and easier'

Although bank worker Rob Pike has a driving licence, he prefers to use the buses.

Rob, 48, who lives in Birmingham, said: "It's convenient because they have routes to anywhere and I can get a day saver - that's ideal for me.

"I can drive but because I live near town, it's much easier and quicker for me to get the bus or cycle if it's not too cold."

'There should be more services'

University student Royvin Robinson, from Walsall, thinks more people would use the buses if they provided more services.

The 22-year-old said: "When I was younger, I could get a bus every five minutes - now, it takes a lot more time so people are using them less.

"With less buses, car traffic is increasing on the roads and it's always really busy, so I think there should be more buses."

'No other good transport links'

Andrea Piercy, from Yardley, usually uses the bus to take her son to nursery once a week.

"I don't really know of any other good transport links... I think we have got a really good bus service in the West Midlands.

"It's quiet, pleasant and I haven't had any problems."

Reporting: Danielle Hayden