TfWM saves under threat Black Country bus service

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has stepped in to save the number 45 bus service in the Black Country from being cut.

Diamond Bus had notified TfWM of its intention to withdraw the 45 despite it serving key destinations between West Bromwich and Walsall including Sandwell General Hospital.

Diamond told TfWM it would halt the service on 15 April because a fall in passengers meant the route was no longer commercially viable.

Now, after a competitive tendering process, the 45 will continue to be run by Diamond but under contract to TfWM for an initial six-months. During this period the service will remain under review while a longer-term arrangement is sought.

TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), funds and part-funds services deemed socially necessary where commercial bus companies say they are unable to provide the service for profit.

The 45 is a key route in the Black Country linking the Yew Tree area, and other communities, with West Bromwich and Walsall. Without this service many people in the area would be left without convenient access to essential local services and facilities.

Jon Hayes, TfWM’s head of bus, said: "We know from passengers themselves how important the number 45 bus is along this key route in the Black Country, so we’re pleased to be able to ensure it continues despite the limited options we had available to do that.

“Passengers have previously made us aware of the poor reliability of Diamond buses on service 45, earlier in the year. We have worked with Diamond to bring about improvements along with other services in the area.

“Operating the service under contract means we will have a process in place for monitoring performance and be able to take appropriate action where required. It will also give us time to assess all the options for the longer-term future of this service.

“In the meantime, we encourage passengers to keep using the service to help support its future viability.”

TfWM has also saved the Sunday service on the number 002 from Weoley Castle to Merry Hill, which was due to be dropped from Diamond’s timetable. It will run to the existing timetable by Diamond under contract to TfWM until the end of October.

For up-to-date public transport information see the Transport for West Midlands website.