Bus firm to spend £420k on new single deckers for Walsall route
More than £400,000 is being invested in new buses to improve services along a key route through Walsall. The cash is being ploughed into boosting the number nine route between Walsall, Darlaston and Lodge Farm.
Arriva Midlands is investing more than £420,000 in three new buses as part of an agreement with the transport authority Centro. The move will see Centro carry on subsidising journeys on the route before 9.30am, at a cost of £17,000 a year. The new single deckers include low floors to make it easier for passengers.
A regular 20-minute service is being provided.
Alex Perry, regional managing director for Arriva Midlands, said: "We are pleased to announce the investment on route nine for travellers within the Black Country area.
"It will not only improve the existing service for our customers, but we hope that through our partnership with Centro, we will also be able to raise awareness of the options available in the area so that they will be better informed when considering bus travel for their future transportation needs."
Councillor Richard Worrall, Centro's lead member for Walsall, added: "I am delighted to see Arriva investing in improved services with environmentally-friendly and easy-access buses.
"It's also pleasing to see Centro working with its private sector partner to make the most of the number nine service for the benefit of the communities it serves and links."
It comes as services were improved earlier this year including the 19 Arriva bus between Bloxwich and New Cross, Wolverhampton.
Plans for a new £14 million interchange in Bradford Place are being drawn up.
The scheme involving Walsall Council and Centro includes bus station, taxi rank, coach services and drop-off facilities although the earliest start date is due to 2015.
The satellite terminus in Bradford Place has been dogged by safety concerns although a £430,000 project to make improvements was completed in 2011
An £80,000 revamp of facilities has also been completed at the main St Paul's bus station. There have been controversial plans for a 20p charge for toilets following the refurbishment work.
Turnstiles were installed at the toilets, but were not activated. It followed a string of criticism, including a petition from campaign group Walsall Pensioners' Convention which objected to the charges.
