Walsall Council is joining forces with public transport promoter Centro to consult with residents living along a key Walsall bus route as they plan a project to improve facilities for travellers.
The council and Centro plan to upgrade bus stops along the Arriva 33 route between Brownhills, Cannock and Hednesford within the borough – improving access for passengers with better shelters and special kerbs.
Consultation with residents and owners of property next to the route starts this week. It will ensure they are fully aware of the proposals and allow the council and Centro to respond to the views of residents.
This runs until mid-December and it is then planned to start work on the scheme in Spring 2005 – along a 3.3km section with 16 stops along Brownhills High St, Chester Rd North and the Wilkin Estate, in Brownhills West.
Councillor Marco Longhi, Walsall Cabinet member for environment and transport said: “I am delighted that we are talking to people in the area about providing greatly enhanced facilities to encourage people to use public transport –helping to cut congestion on Walsall’s roads.
“As part of our vision for a better borough, the council is committed to making it easier for people to travel within Walsall and across the West Midlands with a range of imaginative means to eliminate unnecessary car journeys and ensure Walsall is a welcoming place for disabled people.”
Special raised kerbs will make things easier for people with buggies, pushchairs and shopping trolleys as well as wheelchair users. Bus operator Arriva Midlands is also providing low-floor vehicles to run along the routes.
West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority (WMPTA) chairman Gary Clarke welcomed the consultation.
Councillor Clarke said: “This scheme will give a big boost to bus passengers in Brownhills and should encourage many more people to travel by public transport.
“Bus Showcase routes are a key part of our commitment to high-quality public transport in the West Midlands. This latest project marks a valuable partnership between Walsall Council, Centro and Arriva Midlands.”
(Link to this story on Walsall MBC website)
