PASSENGERS are being invited to climb aboard a First Midland Red bus and go head-to-head with public transport chiefs about the services they receive.

The open surgery this Saturday will be staged on a low floor bus in Worcester as a platform for users to air their views and give officials some food for thought.

Joe Lynch, area officer of the National Federation of Bus Users, which has organised surgeries all over the country, said he was looking forward to meeting people.

"The Government has made it clear that it wants to encourage a more effective voice for users," he said.

"We believe one way of doing this is arranging surgeries for bus users to talk face-to-face with those responsible for the provision and operation of local bus services."

Austin Birks, commercial development manager for First Midland Red - who is co-ordinating the session with the NFBU - said he was optimistic about feedback.

"We are always pleased to receive comments from our passengers so we can continue to improve bus services for the city," he said.

"A surgery in Worcester with the NFBU should prove an ideal opportunity.

"I hope as many people as possible will come along."

Members of management will be available to answer questions, discuss problems and listen to suggestions about the services provided.

Officers from Worcestershire County Council will also be on hand to talk about subsidised services, concessionary fares, bus lanes and bus stops.

A few months on, the NFBU will do a follow-up with passengers who leave their names and addresses during the surgery, which will take place at the junction of Broad Street and Angel Place between 10.45am and 2.15pm.

"We will check if they were satisfied with the response to the points they raised at the surgery," Mr Lynch added.

"We hope holding it on a bus in the city centre at midday makes it as convenient as possible for bus users, even if they only have a few minutes spare to drop in.

"I look forward to meeting them and hearing what they have to say."