REDDITCH MP Karen Lumley showed her support for Catch the Bus Week on Friday, May 2, along with Diamond Buses in Redditch.

Catch the Bus Week 2014 is a campaign aimed at driving awareness of the benefits of taking the bus, particularly to encourage people who do not normally use buses to give it a try.

The campaign is a national celebration of the benefits of taking the bus, which too often do not get enough attention.

This also gave Mrs Lumley the opportunity to download the new Diamond Buses ticketing app which enabled her to pay for her ticket with her phone.

As a member of the Transport Select Committee, The MP takes a keen interest in public transport.

She said: "Buses transport more people and commuters in Britain than all other forms of public transport combined. However, despite the pivotal role they play in keeping Britain moving, buses rarely generate headlines and are often undervalued and unappreciated. I use buses most days, particularly when I’m in Westminster.

"While some bus services are good, too often passengers are dissatisfied with high fares and unreliable services. Innovations such as the ticketing app that Diamond Buses has created help improve the consumer experience but the Government and bus industry need to show more leadership to raise overall standards."