New Soho Road bus route among three new potential services

The three rules under consideration are Alcester Road South, between Kings Heath and Druids Heath, Sutton Coldfield and Castle Vale to Longbridge along the A38 and Soho Road, between West Bromwich and city centre

Transport for West Midlands is asking for views on designs for three new cross-city bus routes, including one covering the Soho Road. Bus users, residents, students and those who drive, walk or cycle are being asked for feedback over the proposals.

The cross-city routes are designed to improve bus reliability and journey times to better connect communities and improve travel across Birmingham city centre and its suburbs. Improvements would include new bus lanes and adjustments to junctions, traffic signals, parking, and bus stops.

The proposals would allow buses to bypass traffic jams and provide more reliable, faster journey times, benefiting up to 50 million passenger trips per year. TfWM, part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), in partnership with Birmingham City Council is inviting the public to share their views on how to make the proposed bus improvements as effective as possible.

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The cross-city bus routes are part of the region’s Bus Service Improvement Plan and are funded from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) awarded by the Department for Transport to the WMCA. The proposed improvements support the “Journeys for Everyone” priority announced by Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair. The goal is to connect communities and make bus travel easier, safer, and more affordable for everyone.

By creating direct cross-city routes, passengers can expect fewer bus changes in Birmingham city centre, for quicker and more convenient journeys. The key routes under review in this consultation are:

• Alcester Road South between Kings Heath and Druids Heath, part of a wider connection between Dudley to Druids Heath (North to South), providing a more efficient link through some of the city’s busiest areas.
• Sutton Coldfield and Castle Vale to Longbridge along the A38, offering easier access to universities, health facilities, shopping and leisure activities, reducing travel times for students, residents and commuters alike.
• Soho Road, enhancing bus travel between West Bromwich and Birmingham city centre – the first part of an east-west cross-city route towards Heartlands Hospital and East Birmingham.

These proposals are designed to support walking and cycling in our key centres. Additionally, TfWM continues to support the introduction of zero-emission buses as part of our plans to cut pollution and address the climate emergency.

The Mayor said: "I want to make everyday travel easier and more dependable for everyone - whether it’s getting to work, school, or important appointments without the stress of delays or complicated changes. The consultations are a chance for people to have their say in shaping the bus network. It's vital that we work together to build a network that is not just efficient but also affordable and reliable.

“This is the start of our journey toward a bus network that we can be proud of and makes sure every resident has access to affordable and dependable bus services."

Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for transport and environment with Birmingham City Council, said: "We need residents and visitors to use more sustainable modes of transport as they move around the city and region and public transport is a vital part of this, alongside walking and cycling.

“Improved bus routes will be a key part of achieving our ambitious net zero carbon emissions target so we all have a cleaner, greener and healthier city. I would urge everyone to take part in the consultation."

The cross-city bus programme covers a series of ongoing projects to improve bus journey times and reliability. At the same time the WMCA is, under the mayor’s direction, reviewing the way our bus services are run with a view to taking more control over fares, routes and timetables. An update is due to go the WMCA Board later this autumn.

The launch of this consultation marks an important step in shaping a more efficient and environmentally friendly public transport network for Birmingham and the surrounding areas. To have your say, visit the TfWM Commonplace page.

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