A fleet of brand new executive, state-of-the-art buses launched in Solihull last month have proved so popular that they will be running on even more routes in the area from this Sunday (July 25, 2010).
Transport authority Centro and bus company Central Connect are introducing the environmentally friendly, eye-catching silver and black vehicles on the S4 route between Cheswick Green and Solihull town centre.
The new buses, which have ergonomically designed leather seats, customer care trained drivers and a free Wi-Fi service for passengers, will also take a new route from Cheswick Green to Solihull via the Woodlands Estate.
This will provide people living in these areas with more direct, faster buses into the town while maintaining the quick and easy interchange with train services at Solihull rail station.
The changes come after Centro, local councillors and residents of Cheswick Green met to discuss the area’s bus services after the current operator announced it could no longer run the S4 due to very low passenger numbers.
It is hoped the new buses and the amended S4 route will help encourage more people to get on board, therefore securing the long term future of bus services in the village.
Cllr Chris Noble, chairman of Cheswick Green Parish Council and nicknamed locally as The Bus Man welcomed the new services for the village.
He said: “I’m really pleased for the bus passengers in Cheswick Green. When the new Signature buses were launched last month we all said how nice it would be to see them here, little knowing that they would soon be running on the S4.
“I’d like to thank Centro and Central Connect, and hope that the new buses are successful and well supported by people in Cheswick Green and Shirley so they remain viable services into the future.”
Cllr Len Cresswell, vice chairman of Cheswick Green Parish Council and Blythe ward councillor added: “It’s nice to see buses fitting for the 21st Century running locally for passengers in Solihull, especially as they are also more environmentally friendly.”
Special offer tickets are also available for passengers to try out the new services, with single fares at £1.10, day returns at £1.50, day tickets for just £2.50, a weekly pass for £6.50 and a monthly ticket for just £20.00.
Cllr Brian Burgess, Blythe ward councillor concluded: “I’m delighted that the residents of Cheswick Green will have these wonderful new buses, which are easily accessible for people with wheelchairs and pushchairs.
“I would like to congratulate Centro and Central Connect for putting the specification together for these fantastic vehicles, and hope the residents will make full use of the excellent new service.”
A new S14 service will also be introduced at the end of August in time for the start of the school year will provide the link from Cheswick Green to Solihull College via Monkspath and Widney Manor rail station.
This will be operated by Grosvenor Coaches, not by Central Connect, and therefore will not be operated by Signature buses.
More information on the new services is available at www.networkwestmidlands.com
