COUNCILLORS are celebrating salvaging a popular half-hourly bus service – but they are warning residents to ‘use it or lose it’.
The A12 bus (formerly the 30 bus) is set to run every 30 minutes from September 1 after being cut to only one service per hour in April.
Solihull Conservative councillors for Olton Katy Blunt and Bob Grinsell had conversations over several months with regional public transport coordinator Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) about saving the service.
And now borough-based operator Landflight has taken over the running of a restored half-hourly service, with improved links to schools and Olton train station.
They say the reduction of the service after previous operator, IGo, went into administration was a massive blow to Solihull.
The service connected Solihull’s town centre to Acocks Green.
Councillors say it was relied on by many residents to get to school or work – seeing high usage during rush hour.
Under the new arrangement, the service is set to be provided by green Enviro 200 buses – which meet the Euro 6 emission standards.
Coun Blunt said: “We are thrilled that following months of lobbying, we will finally have the A12 back to a more user friendly half-hourly service.
“We are also really pleased that Landflight has acted on our requests for school timetable friendly buses and for the buses to drive past Olton Station.
“However it needs to be stressed this is a use it or lose it service – it will be reviewed in about six months time and sadly if numbers aren’t up, then the service may reduce.
“It is therefore vital that as many people use this service as possible, so spread the word!”
