BUS drivers are finding themselves in the firing line as anger grows over unpopular route cuts.

Both Yellow Buses and Wilts & Dorset have been lambasted by residents and councillors for their decision to withdraw buses from unprofitable routes and concentrate on running frequent services down main roads.

Early indications show that the change has led to a 12 per cent increase in passenger numbers for Yellow Buses while Wilts & Dorset also says numbers are up.

But that is little consolation to drivers, who are having to publicly defend the bus companies.

One Yellow Bus driver, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "By and large the drivers are bearing the brunt of the passengers' anger at losing the routes.

"We are the first point of contact for passengers and so we are the ones they let rip at.

"I can understand it, because many people are losing out big time, and all for the sake of profit.

"But the cuts were inevitable. When you're suddenly answerable to accountants, you've got to justify everything. And if a route is losing money, they want to know why."

Derek Lott, managing director of Yellow Buses, said he was generally pleased with the launch of the new network and the increase in passenger numbers.

"Our drivers are always in the frontline and, yes, they have had to deal with some difficult situations," he said.

"As a former driver myself I know only too well how tough it can be at times.

"Dealing with change is never easy. Put together new routes and a new fares structure and, inevitably, you will get queries and concerns from passengers.

"All my staff, but particularly the drivers, have responded magnificently to what I accept has been a challenging few days."

But Jeff Coombs, of the Bournemouth Area Transport Action Group, said the changes had resulted in the worst bus service he had ever known.

"The buses have never been great but the current situation is just crazy," he said.

"To say it is a mess would be an understatement.

"Drivers are bearing the brunt but they are just the meat in the sandwich."

On Wednesday night, Bournemouth councillors agreed to do everything within their power to try and get axed bus services restored.

This was after dozens of residents expressed their fury at the service cuts, claiming they now felt trapped in their own homes.

But neither Yellow Buses nor Wilts & Dorset have shown any sign of bowing to public pressure.

Mr Lott said: "We will not be changing our current network structure.

"However, we endorse the process of local authority support for socially necessary services provided adequate funds are available.

"We are always happy to discuss matters with the local authorities should they wish to consider supporting any particular route."

And Alex Carter, managing director of Wilts & Dorset, said: "We're always happy to work with local councils but it's unlikely that things will change dramatically.

"If the council is minded to consider further subsidies then that could lead to more routes. A lot of the subsidy currently goes on evening and Sunday provision, maybe that should be redirected into unprofitable routes?"