Commuters in Nottingham have criticised council budget proposals to increase the key fares for 'vital' bus services to the city's hospitals.
In major budget proposals, the city council has outlined a plan to increase Medilink fares.
The Medilink service runs around every 10 minutes between 5.45am and 8pm, Monday to Friday.
The service links the two main Nottingham hospital sites and the Wilkinson Street and Queen's Drive park and ride sites. There are additional stops at the junction of Nuthall Road and Crown Island.
The proposals to increase the fares were outline on Tuesday, November 9, in city council budget proposals.
Some Medilink users are against the proposed plans and said, if anything, the bus service should be improved.
Medilink user Jamie Turnbull, 25, who's a student, said: "I use it to get to and from work. Sometimes you wait 10 minutes, sometimes an hour.
"I don't think the plan is a good idea, it isn't worth it.
"A lot of older people catch this bus and are probably late to hospital appointments because of it.
"Four to five nights a week I get sick of waiting and catch the tram. The fare shouldn't increase."
Jane Smith, 61, uses Medilink to get to hospital appointments.
She said: “I don’t think it should be changed.
“We would still use it but that’s because we have to, it is vital.
“Most people use it get to the hospitals, unless you get the tram or a bus but they’re further distance.”
Anthony Smith, 63, added: “It is easier to get the Medilink bus than the tram.
“It’s stressful parking and then getting into the hospital. Again I’d use it as it’s still the best option.”
Roza Sanches, 40, who works at Queen's Medical Centre, said: "The rise in fare is good, but I don't want it to be any less frequent."
The city council is also proposing to reduce the frequency of some Linkbus services, too.
The draft budget documents come at a time of mounting pressure from the Government as it keeps a watchful eye over the council's road to financial recovery.
Draft budget proposals, which will go for approval during an executive board meeting next week, outline five key savings which also include axing six of its nine children's centres, cut its workforce by 91 full-time or equivalent posts and introduce a charge for bulky waste collections.
The first phase of proposals however only addresses £12.2m (or 44%) of its need to make £28m of savings, meaning the council will then reveal additional proposals at the beginning of next year for a further £15.7m.
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