People in Walsall are being given a greater say over public transport in the town.

Councillors on the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority have set up a new forum for users of buses, trains and trams to quiz operators and to help shape policy for the area.

The future of rail services to Wolverhampton is likely to be the hot topic for the first meeting on Tuesday evening (11 October) according to PTA chairman Gary Clarke, who is also a Walsall councillor.

“We want to give ordinary people a chance to express their views on public transport and I’m sure there will be a lively debate,” he says.  “We are working hard to create a first class public transport network and welcome as much input as possible from the users of buses, trains and trams.  They are the people who really matter and with their views behind us we will be able to lobby harder for improvements and for investment.”

The PTA is inviting representatives of the companies operating local services to regular meetings of the new Walsall Transport Users’ Forum to answer questions from passengers. 

Anyone can speak at the meeting and the watchdog body will also be able to take up any issues of concern to local people.   It is already campaigning against Government plans to axe the Walsall to Wolverhampton rail link.

Tuesday’s meeting takes place at Walsall Council House, Lichfield Street, from 6.00pm.  There will be light refreshments at 5.30pm.