Dozens of West Midlands bus routes to be scrapped or changed - here's why

Services are affected after the transport group, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which subsidises services that do not make money, reviewed contracts with operators across the region.

The group said that in a small number of cases, there will be "changes to the routes" with a particular focus being placed on Bilston, Dudley, Wednesbury and Solihull.

However, the transport group insisted that most people would see "no of very little change", also saying that some impacted areas may also see the frequency of services increased to "better meet local demand."

Announcing the changes to services, Peter Bond, director of integrated transport services for Tfwm, said: "We have, working with the bus operators, used the funding available to secure the maximum benefits for bus passengers – especially those living in areas where commercial services are not financially sustainable.

"There are changes to some services and where there is a reduction for the vast majority there are suitable alternatives. I urge people to check the TfWM website for full details ahead of January.

"The bus industry is facing severe cost challenges and is increasingly reliant on subsidy support – that is why at TfWM we are developing a bus reform plan to better secure the long-term sustainability of our bus network."

Passengers are also facing uncertainty over the pricing of bus journeys after it was announced that the £2 cap on a single fair would be scrapped in January.

Listed below are the services affected in the Black Country:

Dudley:

14 - Foxyards Estate to Halesowen via Dudley:  Service 14 currently operates on a commercial basis which is no longer financially viable.  TfWM carried out a review of this service and have secured ongoing provision in the revised services detailed. 

14A - Dudley to Merry Hill via Blackheath: Will be revised or replaced

24 - Dudley to Merry Hill via Blackheath: Will be revised or replaced

74A - Dudley to West Bromwich via Kates Hill: Service 74A has been deemed at risk of withdrawal due to low passenger numbers. The revisions to this service is aimed at attracting new passengers to secure its longer-term future. 

Wednesbury and Bilston:

23 - Portobello to Wednesbury via Bilston: Will be revised or replaced

30 - Stone Cross to West Bromwich via Albion: A review of the 30 service showed that it was at risk of being withdrawn due to low passenger numbers. The service will now operate to Wednesbury instead of Stone Cross. 

41 - West Bromwich to Friar Park via Stone Cross: Will be revised or replaced

41A - West Bromwich to Wednesbury via Hall End: Will be revised or replaced 

80 - Moxley to Bilston via Lower Bradley:  Service 80 between Moxley and Bilston will be withdrawn. Key sections will be covered by the revised 23/23A.