People living in South Birmingham were today reminded that they only have until this Friday (07 August 2009) to have their say on planned improvements to bus services in the area.

West Midlands transport authority Centro and bus company National Express West Midlands have been working together with Birmingham City Council to develop a series of improvements to the already extensive bus network in South Birmingham.

The aim is to build on the existing high-quality transport links in the area to further improve connections to major new developments taking place including Birmingham’s new super hospital in Selly Oak, the Longbridge site and Northfield town centre.

The South Birmingham bus network review, which is based on the new Transforming Bus Travel vision to create modern, high quality bus services across the region, covers an area running from Warstock in the east to Weoley Castle in the west.

Centro, National Express West Midlands and Birmingham City Council have held a number of valuable consultation events and have met with councillors, schools, community organisations and other interested parties.

Responses from these sessions and the website comment form at www.networkwestmidlands.com/busreview (which closes this Friday following a four week feedback period) will be used to shape the final plans for the network.

Proposals include:

• New direct links to the new Queen Elizabeth Super Hospital from Pool Farm, Hawksley, Primrose Hill, Kings Norton, Cotteridge, Bournville, Frankley, Holly Hill, Maypole, Yardley Wood, Billesley, Kings Heath, Selly Park and Bournbrook
• Improved links to education facilities such as Bournville College, Cadbury Sixth Form College and Birmingham University
• A direct bus service from Holly Hill Road in Frankley to Birmingham city centre
• Making all National Express West Midlands buses and Centro subsidised services low floor, wheelchair accessible (around 250 vehicles in total).

Stephen Rhodes, Centro’s director for bus and highways, said: “Our aim is to provide the West Midlands with a world class, integrated transport system that supports economic growth and helps to tackle climate change and congestion.

“With 90 per cent of public transport journeys in the region made by bus, it is vital that we provide a comprehensive network of high quality services which reflect the wants and needs of existing and prospective passengers in order to achieve our vision.

“That is why it is essential that we get feedback from people who live, work and visit South Birmingham – so we can finalise a comprehensive, fit for purpose package of improvements for the area’s bus network.”

People can get more information on the proposals and give feedback at www.networkwestmidlands.com/busreview