£30 million plan to boost bus services through Dudley, Sandwell and Birmingham revealed

Bus lanes, priority junctions and new state-of-the-art bus stops will be introduced on busy routes in Sandwell, Dudley and Birmingham.

It has been made possible through a £24 million Government grant – topped up by £6 million by transport chiefs across the region.

Proposals would also see a cross-city corridor from Druids Heath to Dudley, via Birmingham city centre, introduced to cut congestion.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: "This cross-city bus route will enable buses using the Alcester Road and A457 Dudley Road to beat traffic jams and offer commuters a convenient and reliable alternative to the car.

"It will also come on stream around the same time as our Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension and our new Dudley Interchange, transforming public transport for people and businesses living in that part of the Black Country."

The cross-city route would allow buses, including the 50, 82 and 87 routes in Birmingham, Sandwell and Dudley – primarily following the A435 and A457 – to cut through traffic congestion and offer passengers more reliable journey times.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority, is working with councils in the areas to help plan the package of bus priority measures.

Public consultation on the proposals for Birmingham city centre has already launched, with a further consultation on the wider measures expected to take place later this year.

Construction on some early measures will begin this summer and the entire project will be completed during the second half of 2023, transport chiefs have said.

Improving

That will open opportunities for a new cross-city bus route providing better connections to bus, tram and rail services including the new state of the art Dudley bus and metro interchange, due to be opened in 2023.

Measures could include improving bus journey times through Cape Hill, improvements to Burnt Tree junction in Sandwell and Dudley, Dudley Road improvements alongside works planned by Birmingham City Council, and brand new shelters with real-time information at key locations.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: “We welcome these improvements, which come on board at the same time as the Metro extension and the new bus interchange in Dudley town centre

"The net impact of all of this is that it will be easier than ever for people to get to Dudley town centre and into our borough. The increase in footfall that will bring will be massive for our shops and businesses looking to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic. It’s a game changer."

Councillor Jackie Taylor, cabinet member for sustainable transport for Sandwell Council, added: "The introduction of highway improvements along this cross-city bus route will not only benefit bus passengers but also other road users and this investment in Sandwell is most welcome.

"It comes at a time when we already have significant investment in transport projects across Sandwell with the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension on its way and the recent announcement of funding for the improvement of Birchley Island to name but a few.

"This will provide better connectivity between the Black Country and Birmingham, including for the residents of Sandwell.

"This is another great example of how we are working together with partners to provide sustainable transport routes in and around the borough and wider region."