People living in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Bentley and Wednesfield will get a new bus link between two major Black Country hospitals from Monday (01 March 2010).
Bus company Midland has worked closely with transport authority Centro to provide a much needed service between New Cross Hospital and the £170m redevelopment of Walsall Manor Hospital which is due to be completed this year.
The move comes following several requests from councillors and passengers, particularly living in the Pool Hayes area of Willenhall, for better connections to the two major health facilities.
The new 549 service will run half hourly between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, providing the first ever bus link between the two hospitals as well as Bentley Wednesfield, and Walsall and Wolverhampton centres.
Like all Midland services, all vehicles running along the route will be operated by low floor buses, providing easy access for people with limited mobility or pushchairs.
A single bus ticket costs just £1.70 allowing users to make major savings compared to the cost of petrol and parking or taxi rates which can be up to £20 each way for a journey between the two hospitals.
As with all local bus services, drivers will accept National Concessionary Travel Passes allowing over 60s and eligible blind and disabled people to travel free of charge.
Managing Director of Midland, David Reeves said: “We realised that there was no easy way of travelling from Wednesfield into Walsall, from Pool Hayes into Wolverhampton or between the two hospitals without having to change buses.
“We’re delighted to provide the new 549 service which will fill those gaps in the network and provide a fast link between Walsall and Wolverhampton too.”
Cllr Gary Clarke, Chairman of Centro added: “This new service is excellent news for local people by providing affordable and easy transport to two of the region’s main hospitals from major residential areas.
“This will be a major benefit to all people living along the route, but especially elderly people and those with limited mobility by making it easier than ever to access the hospital, attend appointments or visit family and friends.”
The service also benefits passengers travelling into Walsall from Cannock on Midland’s 351 service, which will provide through travel for passengers to the two hospitals without changing buses.
For the first week of operation a special offer fare of £1.00 for adults and 50p for children will apply. A special trial run will be departing from Walsall bus station at 10:30am on Friday 26 February, travelling along the whole route to Wolverhampton and straight back again. People are welcome to come along and try out the service on Friday free of charge.
For more details and the full timetables go to www.midlandbus.net or pick up a leaflet from libraries along the route.
