Delight as bus services return

Bus passengers have won a campaign for the return of two services linking Dudley with West Bromwich and Oldbury.

The decision by Diamond Bus to run the 87 and the 74 services from Sandwell to Dudley was today welcomed by Centro, the region’s passenger transport authority.

From tomorrow the 87 service from Birmingham to Oldbury via Smethwick and the 74 from the city centre to West Bromwich via Hockley and Great Bridge will both continue on to Dudley.

The move is the result of requests raised by passengers at the Sandwell bus users’ conference in March and Sandwell councillor Roger Horton.

Diamond’s Commercial Manager Austin Birks said: “Being a local company we naturally listened to the community and have put the services back where they belong – in the heart of the Black Country.”

Councillor Horton, who is lead member for Sandwell on Centro, added: “I’m glad that Diamond was able to come to the bus conference and listen to people’s concerns and then act on them in such a positive way.

“The return of the 74 and 87 into Dudley is brilliant news for bus users not only there but also in Birmingham and Sandwell.”

To mark the launch of the two extended routes the bus company is offering a special fare discount called ‘The Dudley Diamond Demon Deal’ for people travelling on the 87 and 74.

This involves a £1 maximum adult fare, or 50p for a child for any single journey on the above two routes.

Passengers wishing to make more than one journey or use more than one Diamond service still have the option of a £2 adult freedom day ticket offering unlimited, all day travel on any Diamond bus.

The route changes are part of a comprehensive review of Diamond services taking place across the network. Passengers can phone 0121 557 7337 for more details.