MAR1011 West Birmingham Bus Network Review March 2010
West Birmingham Bus Network Review In December 2008, Centro published a strategy document entitled Transforming Bus Travel (TBT) which sets out a vision on how to improve bus services in the West Midlands to better meet current and future needs of passengers and the region. National Express West Midlands (NXWM formerly known as Travel West Midlands) as the main operator of commercial bus services in the West Midlands has signed up to the principles of TBT and is working in partnership with Centro to deliver a series of bus network reviews across the West Midlands on an area by area basis. The aim of these reviews is to provide better network of high quality services for the benefit of existing and prospective users, leading to increased bus patronage. One of the key weaknesses of the region s current bus network is that it is complex and relatively dense with a large number of low frequency routes. Therefore, one of the key focuses of Transforming Bus Travel and network reviews is to provide a more modern, less complicated network of services that makes travelling by bus easier and more attractive. Research has identified that key elements for better bus services includes an easy to understand network and improvements in quality. Centro is leading a review of the commercial and subsidised bus networks in each defined area alongside local authorities and bus operators, as directed within the Local Transport Act 2008, to ensure that we maximise the passenger benefits from the available resource within each network. This process has so far been undertaken in Dudley, South Solihull and South Birmingham. In each area it has been accompanied by a series of improvements in passenger information and some simplification of services such as ensuring that evening and Sunday service numbers match those of the daytime services. In Dudley the review has already led to increased bus patronage, and in South Birmingham it has lead to a much easier to understand network of services. In Solihull operators have created a series of local routes and numbers which easily identifies them to passengers. A key component is the voluntary agreement that commits all signatories to providing quality improvements on the network and an improved journey experience for existing and prospective passengers. The West Birmingham Bus Network Review essentially covers the Edgbaston Constituency. The area has some major bus services with high frequencies. This review aims to build on this existing good network of services, looking at commercial opportunities to provide even better, coordinated services. As part of this review, we will also be looking to improve bus services in the Weoley Castle area in order to address some concerns that have emerged from local residents following the South Birmingham review. The Process Centro has taken a more detailed approach to consultation in the West Birmingham area compared to previous network reviews. In December 2009 all ward councillors and Members of Parliament within the review area were written to informing them of the forthcoming review and asking them for any initial feedback. This was followed by a DN# 384166 Page 1 of 3
series of individual meetings with Councillors at the Ward level. In addition, a presentation on the review will be given at Edgbaston Constituency Committee on 18 th March 2010. A public consultation and survey took place up to the end of February 2010, with people invited to give their views in variety of ways. During January and February a series of focus group meetings were held with residents and bus users in several locations including Harborne, Weoley Castle and Kitwell. The focus groups have included minority groups, disability groups, current bus customers, and non-bus users who represent the potential market for public transport. On street surveys took place across the review area with the questionnaire also made available to complete on-line During February, Centro and National Express West Midlands staged a number of public exhibitions in the West Birmingham area to ask for public comments and views on the current bus network, as well as requesting customer feedback on where the network could be improved. These events were supported by staff from Birmingham City Council. This document is being used to formally consult with elected Members and key stakeholders in West Birmingham. Changes will be outlined and agreed by all network review partners in plenty of time to provide passenger information ahead of the revision date of July 25th 2010. Once the first round of consultation is complete, and the results analysed and compiled, National Express West Midlands, with input from Centro and the City Council, will develop proposals for West Birmingham s commercial network. At the same time, Centro will look at the subsidised network to ensure that all areas comply with standards for access to bus services. Route change proposals will be considered in terms of providing key links to major areas of employment, retail, housing and the new super hospital, and will also look at the routes and numbers of more local buses particularly in residential areas. Once any changes are finalised, a leaflet outlining the changes and improvements to the network will be produced and distributed to all households within the review area. The leaflet will also list a series of further exhibitions and dates where members of the public can access new timetables and information during July, ahead of the introduction of new services. During July, timetables will also be made available from Centro and National Express travel shops, and will also be available to download from www.networkwestmidlands.com/busreview. Centro and partners will undertake press advertising in early July as well as a poster campaign on buses and at bus stops. Quality Improvements National Express West Midlands, Birmingham City Council and Centro have been in discussion to agree some of the potential quality improvements that will be provided in combination with the network review outlined above. Investment will be made in the bus fleets which serve the West Birmingham area. For example 20 new hybrid electric/diesel powered buses have already been ordered for services 22 and 23. These vehicles have been partly funded by the Department for Transport and Centro as part of a much larger national initiative to reduce vehicle DN# 384166 Page 2 of 3
emissions for buses. There are likely to be other vehicle improvements in the area which should result in the West Birmingham area having some of the most environmentally friendly buses in the country. To improve and maintain the comfort and quality of trips, National Express West Midlands will be making a number of changes. Vehicle cleaning frequencies, both inside and outside will be increased. More CCTV will be added to buses and patrols by the Safer Travel Police team will be increased to make journeys even safer. Many of the buses in the area are already fitted with the equipment to provide real-time travel information to users at stops, in bus Interchanges, on-line and via mobile phones, all delivered through the Network West Midlands brand. Centro and National Express West Midlands are committed to increasing the coverage of real time travel information which includes more bus stops that have the electronic information displays. Through the partnership, bus operators and Centro are committed to providing a joined up approach to passenger information leaflets and timetables, providing comprehensive multi operator literature that allows passengers to understand ALL services that are available to them and not just those from one operator. This is supported through the Network ticket range of products that allows passengers to use all buses in the West Midlands and not just those of one operator. Additionally, improved and easy to understand interchange information will be provided. All the bus network review partners in West Birmingham are jointly committed to operating and marketing the refined service network and they have pledged to improve the overall quality of services across the network. How you can be involved For your reference a map of the current bus network in West Birmingham is enclosed showing the services and frequencies that are provided. You may wish to consult this map prior to making any further comments or suggestions. There are two maps, one of which shows the Monday-Saturday daytime services and frequencies and the further map showing the evening and Sunday services and frequencies. If you have not already done so then we would ask you to complete the form provided in the back of this pack and return it Centro as soon as possible, but no later than Friday 9 th April 2010. Once the network review is completed then we will send you a further map with the proposed changes included for your information with an explanatory note DN# 384166 Page 3 of 3
West Birmingham Network Review Feedback Name :..... Address :.... Date :... Feedback :..... Please return to Centro at: West Birmingham Network Review, Centro Customer Relations, Centro, 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD E-mail : customerrelations@centro.org.uk Telephone : 0121 214 7214 Office Use Only Log Reference :.. Input date:... Response Date: Closing date for feedback is Friday 9th April 2010