Action has been taken to improve bus services in Sandwell as transport companies take time to listen to the most knowledgeable people on the subject, the local travelling public.

Following a public forum organised by local councillors on the Passenger Transport Authority steps are being taken to improve a notoriously unreliable bus service.

At the Sandwell Public Transport Users Forum, in which residents were given the opportunity to air their views on local buses, trains and the Metro to transport bosses, people raised their concerns about the regularity of the 644 West Bromwich to Tipton service.  This often left passengers stranded for up to an hour, they said. Bus company Travel West Midlands has now agreed to put an extra vehicle on the route.

Councillor Roger Horton, lead member for public transport for Sandwell, says: “This proves that transport companies are willing to listen to customers and put things right.

This is just one of a number of success stories that has resulted from similar meetings across the region organised by Centro and the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority.

“Transport users are our eyes and ears in uncovering problems with the buses, trains and Metro and I’d encourage local residents to come along to these meetings and have their say on any public transport issues they may have,” Cllr Horton adds.

Sandwell residents are now being given the chance to bring up any more areas of public transport concern they may have at the next Sandwell Transport Users Forum which will be taking place on Wednesday 25 January at 6pm in the Professional Learning Centre, Owen House, Owen Street, Tipton.  Local people will also be given an update on the progress of issues raised in the last meeting.

All local residents are invited to attend and pose questions to representatives from the major bus and train companies, the Midland Metro operator, public transport promoter Centro and Passenger Transport Authority councillors.