Radical changes needed to improve public transport in North Solihull

POOR public transport links continue to create major challenges for residents in North Solihull, a recent report has found.

Irregular and unreliable bus services – with especially limited service during evenings and weekends – is serving to reinforce the divide between the north and south of the borough.
The research revealed that the journey times meant that many people living in areas such as Chelmsley Wood and Castle Bromwich were put off seeking work in other parts of Solihull and instead tended to find jobs in Birmingham.
Workshops involving local residents, schools and parish councils were held last year, with local views incorporated into the Solihull Connected report, which had been commissioned by Solihull Council.
The document reveals that many residents don’t feel the public transport network is up to standard and that radical changes would be needed to improve the situation.
While overcrowding and ticket prices were highlighted among the concerns, the reliability of services was identified as the main problem.
Amrik Manku, from the council’s transport and highways team, said: “Public transport services do not currently provide a realistic or viable alternative for many people.
“It is clear that some residents would be willing to try different modes of transport if they were to be improved. Addressing the negative perceptions of bus services would be a key area to prioritise in this respect.”
One possible solution would be the introduction of so-called “sprint services” with a route potentially running from Chelmsley town centre to Blythe Valley Business Park, stopping off
at main destinations such as the NEC and Solihull centre.