BUS chiefs are facing fresh criticism after an hourly service to a college was axed in the run up to exam season.

Many students at Amersham and Wycombe College, some of whom have already started exams, depend on half-hourly buses to get them to and from the Amersham campus in Stanley Hill.

But students now face more time waiting at the bus stop after the 372 service from High Wycombe Bus Station was scrapped, leaving just one bus an hour.

Helen Chapman, studying art and design, had to telephone her father after the remaining 362 service to Amersham and Wycombe College failed to turn up last Tuesday on the morning of an exam.

The 17-year-old, of Hughenden Road, High Wycombe, said: "You just never trust the buses really. You have to allow yourself extra time - it's just ridiculous."

Miss Chapman said: "They've got to make them more reliable. I just wish they hadn't changed them to every hour.

"If you missed one in the past you could just about make it on time, but now you have to wait another hour."

Two weeks ago the Free Press revealed how elderly bus users in Chartridge, near Chesham, felt they had been left in the dark after a long-standing service was withdrawn.

Arriva, the largest bus operator in Buckinghamshire, has cut a range of routes deemed unreliable and unprofitable.

The cuts were introduced about three weeks ago and were blamed on a chronic shortage of drivers and congestion.

Nigel Eggleton, Arriva's commercial director, explained that there had been no changes to peak time services to the college before 9.30am and after 3.30pm.

He added that the 372 service, from High Wycombe to Chesham calling at Amersham and Wycombe College, Stanley Hill, was introduced two years ago on a trial basis.

It was withdrawn because off peak demand for the service did not increase as hoped.

Mr Eggleton added: "We are bringing services in line with demand."

Judith Smithers, a spokeswoman for Amersham and Wycombe College, said: "We would be interested to hear if any students have any comments."

Students with views about the bus service should contact the college on 01494 735555