The contentious subject of bus travel in Birmingham has been tackled at a Big Debate organised by the Mail and chaired by editor Steve Dyson.

Readers questioned many of the region’s big names in transport, including Richard Bowker, chief executive officer of National Express, parent company of Travel West Midlands.

They were able to get first-hand answers on issues of concern such as anti-social behaviour and the priority given to buses on the region’s roads.

More than 70 readers took part in the debate at Villa Park on Thursday night, and dozens of questions were also sent in by readers ahead of the event.

It followed an in-depth reader survey on public transport which prompted an unprecedented response, with more than 1,300 replies.

Mail transport correspondent Ben Hurst said: “It was an excellent meeting, with really good questions and debate on the main issues.

“Clearly one of the main areas of concern was anti-social behaviour and how companies and drivers tackle that.

“There have been lots of calls in Birmingham for the return of bus conductors and a lot of people wanted to ask why that couldn’t happen.”

Also on the debate panel was Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for transportation and street services, Coun Len Gregory, Transport and General Workers’ Union regional organiser John Partridge, representing bus drivers, and Stephen Rhodes, Centro-PTA’s assistant director for buses.

Following the event the Mail ran two pages of questions and answers on Friday with more coverage on Saturday.

Travel West Midlands has also agreed to answer a number of questions relating to specific bus routes or events which could not be addressed on the night, and these will be published at a later date.