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Search forAnger as two vital bus routes are given the chop
Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 08:00
Controversial plans announced by National Express West Midlands to withdraw five of its services, including the 639 service which runs between Walsall and West Bromwich via Walsall Manor Hospital, have been slated by transport bosses and members of the community.
National Express West Midlands has announced it is to axe its 374, 414, 639, 644 and 646 services in January, blaming low passenger numbers for the move.
But the announcement has caused an outcry in the communities affected.
The 374 has been recently reduced from a 30-minute to an hourly service but now this service, which covers the Chuckery and Park Hall area of the borough, is to cease in January.
Reacting to the shake-up of services and the axing of the 374, Gill Oakley, secretary of Park Hall Community Association, said: "There are a lot of pensioners on our estate who will now have to walk to Birmingham Road to catch the 51 bus, which is a long walk.
"I think a lot of people will be inconvenienced and be put out by this. I do not think it is a good idea."
Paddock ward councillor Barry Sanders also hit out at the withdrawal of services, particularly the 374.
Cllr Sanders said: "I am absolutely furious about this. This has just been dropped on us.
"This is a huge matter for Park Hall and Chuckery.
"People are going to be isolated and stranded in their homes. Residents are just not going to accept this."
Public transport promoter Centro has also attacked the changes to services.
Stephen Rhodes, bus and highways director at Centro, said: "These five bus routes form an important part of the transport network which connects Sandwell, Dudley and Walsall boroughs.
"After being informed of the withdrawals of the 374, 414, 639, 644 and 646 by National Express West Midlands, we have been talking actively with other local operators to see how we can work together to find a solution and we will continue to do so in the coming weeks.
"We are currently looking at a short-term solution for the 374, 414, 639, 644 and 646 while we develop a long-term plan to keep these services going.
"However, I would stress that whatever we do to secure the future of these routes in the more distant future will depend on how many people are getting on board."
Responding, a spokesperson for National Express West Midlands said: "National Express West Midlands has been reviewing the use of a number of its routes in the Black Country.
"Sadly the routes involved have for a long time had low numbers of passengers throughout the day and do not pay their way. Many of the stops on the routes are covered by, or are near to, other routes. We are working with Centro to minimise the impact of the loss of these routes."
■ What's your view? Email walsall.editorial@cintamworth.co.uk
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