Controversial Sprint bus scheme to be backed by council bosses
Controversial plans to bring Sprint buses to Walsall are set to move a step closer.
Council bosses are expected to sign off on proposals to allow the bendy buses to travel through Walsall, despite previous criticism of the project.
It is part of an overall £110 million transport scheme for the buses to run along the A34 to Birmingham.
The scheme has been spearheaded by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, who said they form a "vital part" of plans to improve transport across the region.
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) decided to press ahead with the plan to take the Sprint bus route to Walsall after tweaking the plans in response to concerns from residents and businesses around parking and impact on trade.
TfWM says the introduction of Sprint buses will transform public transport and boost connectivity.
Walsall Council leader Mike Bird said he was "yet to be convinced" by the project, but added he would put aside his personal views if it "benefits the people" of the borough.
Councillor Bird said: "Obviously it has got opposition from the Birmingham side of things as well.
"And will it get off the ground? I don't know, but it's a bendy bus and evidence from the A34 Safety Action Group shows where they've introduced the buses they've withdrawn them.
"Personally I'm not a bus fan and I do believe it means we've got less and less road for drivers.
"From a personal point of view I've yet to be convinced.
"But if it benefits the people of Walsall, I'm for it – it's for the majority not the minority."
The Conservative leader was also critical of Birmingham pushing for the demolition of the A34 flyover, which would lead to "more traffic congestion".
The A34 Sprint route, from Birmingham’s Moor Street train station to Walsall town centre, is nine miles long and will feature 20 stops.
It is due to be completed by the end of 2021 in time for the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
The Sprint buses will use bus lanes and stop less often than traditional buses – cutting bus journey times down from 85 minutes to 38 at peak times and by an average of 20 per cent, according to TfWM.
Sprint will also have Wi-Fi on board, next stop announcements and CCTV security in a bid to encourage more people to switch from using their car.
Council bosses will sign off on the scheme at a special meeting in January.
