Axe falls on bus services

Bus services are being scrapped across the West Midlands as part of a massive reorganisation of routes throughout the area.

A number of Walsall routes operated by the area's biggest operator, Travel West Midlands, are to be scrapped as part of the major shake-up.

The 991 service from Walsall to Lichfield and the 331 to Stroud Avenue in Willenhall via Bentley are to be axed by the firm as part of cuts.

Travel West Midlands today defended the move claiming the widespread cuts will make travel "simpler" for bus users, but it is feared the cuts will isolate people, particularly the elderly living in smaller communities.

Walsall councillor and chairman of Centro-WMPTA Gary Clarke said he was disappointed the company chose to withdraw the services at a time when the passenger authority was working hard with councils and bus companies make improvements for passengers.

Councillor Clarke said: "Thanks to this partnership we have seen the introduction of a number of improvements including Bus Showcase routes, Real Time Information and Network West Midlands.

"But we need to make sure that we also get the basic things right. This means making sure people get the reassurance that the services they want and need are there for the long term and can be relied on.

"I would like to call on all bus operators to put passengers first and to think more carefully before they withdraw or alter bus services."

Centro said Staffordshire County Council was trying to secure funding to keep the 991 on the road. It said if Staffordshire is unable to re-instate the route, then Centro would then consider if it could allocate funding.

Phil Bateman TWM corporate communications director said: "We are attempting to make travel simpler for our customers."

Read the Express & Star for the full list.