A college survey by students in Somerset has raised serious concerns about bus services in the county.
More than 200 respondents from Taunton College responded to the survey, describing their journeys as "unreliable, overcrowded, and frequently late."
Other concerns raised included harassment, unsafe driving, and persistent delays.
Rachel Gilmour, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, called the findings "shocking but unfortunately not surprising."
She added: "My inbox is consistently full of constituents who have received a very disappointing service whilst attempting to travel with First Bus, and I have regularly heard from individuals who have missed college classes, medical appointments, and other important events, simply because the bus service wasn’t up to standard.
"Transport continues to be the number one barrier to aspiration and ambition in my constituency, stopping young people from accessing their education and broadening their horizons."
Safety and accessibility were recurring concerns, particularly on the number 22 and 28 routes.
On the 22 route, students reported "harassment and creepy behaviour," along with concerns about unsafe driving.
Meanwhile, the 28 route was described as dangerously overcrowded, with vulnerable passengers unable to access seats and many left standing for long periods.
Ms Gilmour has written to First Bus requesting a full update regarding reports of harassment and inappropriate behaviour on the 22 service.
She has also relaunched her own 'Bus Survey' to collect stories from constituents to present to bus operators.
Ms Gilmour said: "I would encourage all constituents in Tiverton and Minehead to share their bus stories with me, so that I can lobby First Bus and Stagecoach on your behalf."
Issues with the First Bus app were also highlighted, with many students reporting buses shown incorrectly on the app, causing confusion about timings and pick-up points.
Respondents said they did not feel the service offered value for money.
Phil Durban, a campaigner and member of the Taunton LCN, said the issues pointed to deeper structural problems.
He said: "These survey results are a symptom of a much wider issue – the complete underfunding of rural transport from a succession of governments.
"Building on this survey, and the work of the Somerset Bus Partnership, I am setting up a Bus Users Group for Bishops Lydeard residents to ensure bus users in the village have a voice and a say in the improvement of the bus services in our village.
"As part of this new group, it is planned that all communities across Lydeard and Stogumber have a say about the quality of the bus services in our communities."
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