New bus service will link up two hospitals

A bus is to travel between two West Midland hospitals after patients demanded improvements to transport links.

The new 549 service will ferry passengers between Walsall Manor Hospital and New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.

It is in response to concerns by patients and families. The service will be run by commercial operator Midland from St Paul's Street in Walsall via the hospitals, then on to Wolverhampton city centre. The move comes after talks with West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority, Centro.

The half-hourly service will start on Monday and travel via Bentley and Wednesfield.

Extra Midland buses will be introduced to cover the route, which will operate Mondays to Saturdays between 8am and 6pm.

West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority, Centro chairman Councillor Gary Clarke, said: "This new service is excellent news for local people by providing affordable and easy transport to two of the region's main hospitals from major residential areas.

"This will be a major benefit to all people living along the route, but especially elderly people and those with limited mobility by making it easier than ever to access the hospital, attend appointments or visit family and friends."

The route is being linked with the Midland 351 Cannock to Walsall service which will convert to the 549 on arrival at Walsall Bus Station in St Paul's Street.

A single journey bus ticket will cost £1.70 and the free National Concessionary Travel Pass for passengers over 60, eligible blind and disabled people will be accepted.

Midland managing director David Reeves said: "We realised that there was no easy way of travelling from Wednesfield into Walsall, from Pool Hayes into Wolverhampton or between the two hospitals without having to change buses.

"We're delighted to provide the new 549 service which will fill those gaps in the network and provide a fast link between Walsall and Wolverhampton too."

For next week only, fares will cost of £1 for adults and 50p for children.