Major revamp planned for bus services to Russells Hall Hospital
Bus access to Russells Hall Hospital is to be improved as part of a shake-up of services in Dudley.
Transport chiefs are keen to improve services attending the hospital and are planning changes over the next 12 months, a new report has revealed.
The moves forms part of the West Midlands Bus Alliance strategy with upgrading services heading to the town's hospital a key part of the plan.
Transport services in Dudley are set to dramatically improve in the coming years with the bus station to undergo a major revamp and the Midland Metro to extended into the town and to the Merry Hill shopping centre.
Bosses are keen to bring about a cut in use of vehicles in the borough, with an increased emphasis on pushing public transport use and cycling.
A new report compiled by the West Midlands Combined Authority and Dudley Council promises 'better interchanges' and a review of Dudley Bus Station and Russells Hall.
A timeline in the report suggests the changes, which could include more services to the hospital or improved routes, will be introduced during 2019.
Dudley councillor Ken Finch said improved bus access to Russells Hall was badly needed.
He said: "It's a long time coming. We need to sort things out regarding Russells Hall.
"There are a number of people who have to get buses into Dudley and then another to Russells Hall.
"I know it is a big concern for people who have to stay in the hospital and it is a need for people.
"It is necessary for people who have to visit friends and family three or four times a week and not everybody has got their own transport."
The report said: "The Bus Alliance is committed to transforming bus travel in Dudley and across the region.
"We will create change for the better both now and through our ambitions for the future.
"Despite the extensive bus network, the bus mode share into the strategic centre of Brierley Hill is only 10 per cent in the morning peak and only slightly higher into Dudley at 13 per cent."
It would be the latest change to bus services after National Express introduced new routes in Dudley and Sandwell this month.
Dudley Bus Station is due to be rebuilt under long-awaited plans to improve facilities in the town centre.
