Residents furious as 'lifeline' bus route into Wolverhampton is axed

The decision has angered many who rely on the bus to get around.

Great-grandmother, Mary Payne, 86, lives in Bilbrook and regularly uses the service to get her shopping from Wolverhampton. She said she was "disappointed" by the announcement.

"As I have had to give up driving due to my eyesight, the number 5 bus is a lifeline for me to get in and out of Wolverhampton for my shopping," she said.

"It's an important route for a lot of older people round here. I don't mind using Banga buses if that's what is going to replace it but I hope that services aren't reduced and that it continues to be as reliable as it is now.

The 86-year-old continued: "If I pay for a taxi, it will be £8 each way, that's £16 for the journey, that's expensive these days.

"I can't understand why the service is being changed as it is a well-used bus route by many around here."

Banga Buses will now be operating a 5/5A service to partially replace the route. However, the new route will not run on evenings or Sundays.

Pauline Daker, 86, a resident of Codsall, said: "I am really upset. This is going to have a huge impact on a lot of people. It's one of the lifelines of this area.

"This is my main route to get to Wolverhampton, when this goes how am I supposed to get there? I know there are the Banga buses, but it won't be the same. They also don't run on evenings or on Sundays."

National Express has said that an alternative bus route is available with the 6/6A line from Wolverhampton to Wobaston via Aldersley.

A National Express West Midlands spokesperson said: "We know that our bus services are vital lifelines for many customers and communities and we have been working closely with Transport for West Midlands to protect as many services as possible across the region.

"In common with bus operators nationwide, we are seeing fewer passengers, increased costs, busier roads and fewer drivers because of the change in lifestyles since the pandemic. All this means we have to look at our network to maintain the best coverage for the people of the West Midlands.

“From November 5, National Express West Midlands will no longer operate the 5 service between Wolverhampton and Codsall. Another operator will begin operating a 5/5A route with an updated timetable and details are available on the Transport for West Midlands website.

“Our priority is to continue to build on the positive steps we are taking to improve the reliability of our services and keep fares low while providing a comprehensive network that fits with current demand and levels of traffic on our roads."

A West Midlands Combined Authority spokesperson said: "From November 5, this National Express service will no longer be operating.

"Banga Buses will be operating a 5/5A service with an updated timetable on this route. The new 5/5A will not run in the evenings or on Sundays.

"The 5/5A timetable will be linked once available. Bus tickets can be used on any bus in the West Midlands. Other alternative bus routes are the 6/6A - Wolverhampton to Wobaston via Aldersley. This service is operated by National Express West Midlands.

"Passengers travelling to and from Codsall & Bilbrook can get the train to/from Wolverhampton."