TfWM Reverse Proposed Bus Changes

I was contacted by my constituents who raised concerns about Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and their decision to withdraw and amend several bus services. I was concerned to see that Walsall South bus services were at risk.

The bus services set to be cancelled were service 36 Walsall to Alumwell via Manor Road, service 39 Walsall to Stowlawn via Darlaston and Bilston, service 65 Darlaston to Woods Estate via Wednesbury, and service 310 Willenhall to Wednesbury via Darlaston.

I arranged a meeting with Jon Hayes, Head of Bus at TfWM, on 6 December 2022 to discuss these proposed changes in Walsall South. Jon was very helpful and confirmed that service 39 will continue to operate and provide the link with a number of communities to Walsall Manor Hospital. The 310 bus will also continue to operate unchanged. The service 65 timetable and route will remain unchanged but from 1 January 2023 the service will be provided by Walsall Community Transport.

Many residents rely on Walsall’s extensive bus service and have told me about its importance and contribution to the local community. The social benefits it brings will be at risk if these changes had taken place. It is great to hear that the ones most used by residents will not be withdrawn.

A review of the service 36 was made and it was decided that from 1 January 2023 this service will no longer operate on a Sunday. The last bus from Walsall will be at 1830 and 1822 Monday to Friday and Saturday respectively.

Buses are a lifeline for this constituency and should be available for all to use.