New bus routes to improve Black Country journeys

Routes and timetables have been revamped and councillors insist changes mean improvements for passengers. Transport authority Centro and bus companies including National Express West Midlands have overhauled the network between Wolverhampton and Willenhall, with some changes, including those affecting services to New Cross Hospital, following requests from passengers.

The new-look network was launched at New Invention by Wolverhampton councillor Judith Rowley, Walsall councillor Ian Shires and Toni Tipper, Wolverhampton acting general manager, at National Express West Midlands.

Councillor Rowley said: "The changes reflect much of what passengers asked for and I believe they will bring significant benefits for many people.

"The new network will provide faster and more reliable journey times and improve connections between the main destinations."

The improvements include a more direct route for both the 28 and 69 services between New Invention, New Cross Hospital and Wolverhampton and timetable changes to the 41 and 28 with a service every 15 minutes,.

There will also be a new evening and Sunday service for Allens Rough on service 41, following the route of the daytime service, faster journey times for the 69 with an extended route to serve more of Wolverhampton city centre and a 15 minute service on the 69 and 89 services between Wolverhampton, Wednesfield and New Invention.

Faster bus services have also been launched to take workers to and from the i54 business park in Wolverhampton.The changes are intended to cut journey times between the site and the city centre from 38 minutes to 18.

The new circular 25A and 25C services provide bus links from The Scotlands, Wednesfield, Willenhall, Bilston and Goldthorn Park to the business park where hundreds of jobs are being created.

Councillor Shires said: "I'm pleased that Centro and National Express have taken on board the feedback and suggestions that I and local passengers put forward following the original overhaul of the network two years ago.

"The bus changes will greatly improve New Invention's connectivity and compliment the new mini park and ride facility built by Walsall Council behind the shopping square. It should all help to attract more people to New Invention which, of course, is good news for traders."

Full details of the changes are available at www.networkwestmidlands.com/wednesfield