Major change to Ring and Ride service in Birmingham to comes into effect
A major change the Ring and Ride service in Birmingham and Solihull has come into effect this week.
Ring and Ride and Coventry’s On Demand services have been brought together under a new operation known as West Midlands Bus On Demand in a bid to make the network simpler and easier to use.
Demand responsive transport in Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry will be run by operator Via.
West Midlands Bus On Demand has also introduced a series of upgrades which bosses say are designed to boost efficiency and passenger experience.
These include the introduction of a fleet of smaller, more agile vehicles, allowing wheelchair users to travel together.
Service hours have not changed. West Midlands On Demand can be used by anyone to travel up to five miles within Coventry city limits.
Passengers with eligibility for the former Ring & Ride scheme retain access to travel throughout the wider region.
Via has provided the technology behind West Midlands Bus On Demand services across the TfWM area since June.
The company already runs 35 demand-responsive transport and dial-a-ride schemes across the UK, including those with Transport for London, Transport for Manchester and Transport for Wales.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said: “By bringing in a new operator we are not just improving the service, we are guaranteeing affordable, high quality and accessible transport for some of our most vulnerable residents for years to come, delivering on my priority of journeys for everyone.”
Sam Griffiths, head of the UK & Nordics at Via, said: “Via is proud to partner with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and bring our data-driven, passenger-centred operating model to West Midlands On Demand.
“Across the UK, we’ve seen how innovative mobility can improve connectivity for local communities, and we’re pleased to support TfWM’s ambition for a more accessible and inclusive region.”
A new contract for the Black Country Ring and Ride service has been awarded to operator HATS and that also came into effect this week.
At a West Midlands Combined Authority Transport Delivery Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting last month, councillors said changes to improve the service had been a ‘long time coming’.
