Coventry bus service to be axed as it is not 'value for money'

[dutchman]

It is one of several across the region being withdrawn



A Coventry bus service is to be axed as it is does not offer 'value for money'. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has revealed a number of bus services have changed.

As part of this, several services are being withdrawn. This includes the number 19 – Tile Hill to Coventry via Cannon Park Shopping Centre / Westwood Business Park. TfWM says that the The route is partially replaced by the number 2

It has added that the ring and ride service can also provide an alternative for those who are eligible. It is one of three services that are being axed across the region.

TfWM has said that it is due to low passenger numbers, higher operating costs and changes in travel patterns which means they 'no longer provide value for money for the taxpayer'.

Under the changes, as well as the three axed services, TfWM said that the vast majority of the region’s 394 regular bus services remain unaffected – there will be changes to 32 services, and some will have timetable changes, some new operators.

Pete Bond, director of integrated transport services for TfWM, said: “Buses are the backbone of our public transport network, enabling people to get to work, education and training opportunities, visit hospitals and health services or enjoy a trip to the shops, a hobby or a day or night out with friends and family.

"They are also an essential part of plans to decorbonise our transport and reduce traffic congestion, improve our air quality and grow our region’s economy. That is why it was imperative we both put the extra funding into preserving our network and review value for money for taxpayers on what we are providing already.

“We have given ourselves time and must now get to work with our partners to develop a long-term sustainable future for our bus services. In the meantime, we are, with our operators and council partners, continuing to invest in new infrastructure, including a new bus station at Dudley and more electric and hydrogen buses to further improve the service to passengers."