The Fight Continues to Find a Solution to The Bus Chaos.
For the past few months we have been in talks with Transport for West Midlands and National Express to work on a solution to the ongoing bus chaos in the area.
I was consulted by National Express in June before they went public with proposals where I told them the routes wouldn’t work and this would create a public backlash. They told me the proposals were not final, but later it appears they simply didn’t listen to me or residents concerns following the public consultation eailer this year.
Therefore, I have forwarded all resident complaints onto National Express, alongside a cover letter expressing my outrage. Shortly after this, they called me back for another meeting. This time I reiterated how I had told them this would create chaos.
Thankfully we managed to get them to change their minds on the 63, which they originally proposed to terminate on Romey Road. However, we are still working on a solution to the 61, which is yet to be changed despite residents at the back of Frankley relying on the service to get to Hollymoor doctors.
The issue with the hospital has also been raised many times, people who need treatment or work at the hospital have been cut off. It is simply unacceptable and it shows they clearly haven’t thought this through and should reconsider the routes.
Frankley is one of the most deprived areas of the city, people rely on these services and I have strongly urged them to reconsider their proposals, or at the very least, extend the services they already have. Bus companies are not completely private, they are subsidised by the tax payer, and so have a duty to provide a public good.
Myself and Cllr Adrian Delaney in Rubery and Rednal (who is also a bus driver) will keep putting the pressure on and hopefully we can find a solution soon.
CONTACT NATIONAL EXPRESS
travelcare@nationalexpress.com
You can email National Express West Midlands directly using the email above to raise your concerns. Explain about the services you use, and the troubles you are having, and you should get a reply.
Contact Network WM
networkwestmidlands.com/get-in-touch
Alterntiavley you can get in touch with transport for west midlands using the above address online.
You can also tweet them @networkwm
Contact Bus Users UK
enquiries@bususers.org
In the event that you are dissatisfied with the response provided by a bus operator, the Bus Appeals Body can provide an independent review. Note you will need to have contacted the operator first and received a response to submit a case.