New bus services up and running
Controversial changes to Black Country bus services have come into force.
Controversial changes to Black Country bus services have come into force.
A new network of services has been introduced in the Warley, Halesowen, Bearwood and Merry Hill areas.
Bosses at bus company National Express West Midlands claim it means less waiting around at bus stops.The number 88 Birmingham to Oldbury will become the number 89 and the number 99 Dudley to Halesowen is being replaced by the 222, which will cover visiting times to Russells Hall Hospital.
But Blackheath Tory councillor Mary Docker claims the removal of the old 88 service will cut the direct link between the town, Langley and City Hospital.
The change is of concern because maternity services are set to be moved from Sandwell to City Hospital.Improvements include making the Stourbridge to Halesowen and Birmingham service every eight minutes on the number nine and the Quinton to Birmingham service will run every four minutes.
New links include a City Road to Birmingham service and a West Bromwich and Cape Hill to Five Ways and Broad Street route.