PROPOSED bus routes to connect Solihull and Birmingham in time for the Commonwealth Games in 2022 have been welcomed in a recent consultation.
Plans to bring a Sprint rapid bus service which will link the town centre to the Airport and Birmingham City centre along the A45 was unveiled in the summer by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).
More than 1,500 people, including residents living near the proposed routes, businesses and regular commuters, responded to a consultation held by TfWM.
They were asked for views on the three proposed routes: A45 Solihull and Birmingham Airport to Birmingham city centre, A34 Walsall to Birmingham city centre and Sutton Coldfield to Birmingham city centre via the planned neighbourhood at Langley and Peddimore.
According to TfWM 82 per cent of the 424 people who commented on the A45 route fully or partially support of the proposals and 14 per cent were against.
In the results published concerns were raised about the impact on green space on the A45.
According to TfWM around three-quarters of people who responded either partially or wholly supported the introduction of fast, tram-style buses on key commuter routes.
But some respondents also raised concerns some of which will be taken into consideration as the designs develop over the coming months.
West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, said: “We are delighted that so many welcomed our plans for a modern and reliable bus rapid transit system for the West Midlands.
“We also recognise that some residents raised genuine concerns about the introduction of Sprint and are committed to consider alternative designs to see if we can address those understandable concerns.”
The designs will now be reviewed and a further response issued during Spring 2019.
The full report can be downloaded from the TfWM website with printed copies and alternative formats available upon request via email to [email protected] or by telephone on 0121 214 7321.
