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Latest 1.4m Premier buses unveiled

14 Jan 2008

Bus passengers were today offered a new era in bus travel as the West Midland’s most luxurious vehicles ever took to the streets.

New state-of-the-art buses, boasting high-back, soft leather seats, tinted windows, air chill systems and the latest digital CCTV, are the pinnacle of a pioneering partnership between the region’s public transport developer Centro-WMPTA and National Express Group’s, Travel West Midlands.

The Voluntary Partnership Agreement will see the latest additions to the fleet operating on three busy routes out of Birmingham city centre – the 934 to Pheasey, the 993 to Streetly and the 997 to Walsall.

All three ‘Premier’ routes are being transformed by a package of improvements which will give passengers not only a new high specification but also increased frequencies, better shelters and real time information. Passengers will also be able to obtain refunds if the high standards of punctuality committed to by Centro-WMPTA and Travel West Midlands in a Customer Charter are not met.

Transport Minister the Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP, was given the sort of red carpet treatment that bus passengers can expect when she officially launched the luxury buses outside the prestigious House of Frasier department store in Birmingham on Monday 14 January.

Richard Bowker, chief executive of National Express Group commented: “These new ‘Premier’ vehicles represent an investment of £1.4m and show what we are aspiring to in terms of quality, innovation and passenger comfort. With these fantastic new buses, we can meet our challenge of getting people out of their cars and attract them onto public transport for the long-term.

“We are delighted to be continuing to lead the way with Centro - WMPTA here in the West Midlands not only to deliver a first-class bus network, but to continue with our aim of making travel simpler for everyone by playing a major part in providing a quality, sustainable solution to congestion. Our commitment to quality bus services and focus for investment into the fleet with continue throughout 2008.”

Geoff Inskip, chief executive of Centro-WMPTA, said: “We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Travel West Midlands to launch these high quality bus routes which aim to give passengers the frequent, safe, clean and accessible services they demand.

“We are urging people who commute into the city to work or shop to give these enhanced bus routes a try. We believe the high standards of service can persuade them to take the bus on a regular basis, helping to reduce congestion and carbon emissions.”

Transport chiefs hope the upgrading of the three routes will increase passenger numbers by ten per cent within the first year. All three of TWM’s Premier routes will operate a limited stop, express service along the corridor between Perry Barr and Birmingham city centre in order to speed up journey times. Frequencies will also be increased.

The partnership has also involved Centro – WMPTA replacing every one of the 79 shelters along the three routes with modern silver and orange designs. A dedicated cleaning team will make sure damage to shelters from vandalism and graffiti is repaired within 24 hours of notification while the buses themselves will be cleaned several times a day.

From March 2008, Real Time Information will also be provided by electronic displays at bus stops and through text messaging to passengers’ mobile phones so they know exactly when their next service will arrive.

The three Premier routes launched today are in addition to three other routes – the Number 1 from Acocks Green to Five Ways, the 377 between Walsall and Sutton Coldfield, and the 451 between West Bromwich and Sutton Coldfield, which were similarly upgraded during the autumn as part of the partnership agreement.

Latest figures show that during December the revamped 377 enjoyed an impressive 10 per cent increase in passenger numbers compared to December 2006 while the No. 1 service saw a rise of 8 per cent.

Notes to Editors

1. If, because of events within Travel West Midlands’ control, a passenger’s journey is delayed by more than 15 minutes, the company will refund their fare with travel vouchers:

• If the passenger paid a cash fare, TWM will refund travel vouchers to the value of their ticket.
• If they used a Daysaver ticket, TWM will refund travel vouchers to half of its value
• If they used a weekly Travelcard, TWM will refund an appropriate proportion of its cost – one tenth of a weekly, or one fortieth of a four- weekly.

TWM will refund the cost of a taxi by cheque when it receives a written claim and receipt:

• If, because of events within Travel West Midlands’ control, a passenger is not provided with a bus within 60 minutes of the scheduled departure time
• If a wheelchair user is unable to travel because a non-accessible bus is used on one of these routes.

Certain causes of delay are wholly outside of Travel West Midland’s control. These include severe weather, vandalism and traffic accidents, and refunds will not be available when delays occur in such circumstances.

• All of the Premier services will be operating from TWM’s Walsall depot.
• Between the three ‘Premier’ routes, 18 new vehicles will be operating.

For further information please contact:

Stuart Henry - Travel West Midlands - 07920 781 452
Steve Swingler - Centro - 07887 794 241

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