From April 27 2008, it is all change to most bus services that are operated in the Stourbridge area. Network West Midlands have reviewed the bus network in the Dudley area to create routes that better meet passenger needs.

The aim of the review was to create an easy to understand bus network designed for bus passengers, that will provide easier access and improved co-ordination of services at bus stations and interchanges.

Some services will have improved frequency, better connection to key destinations and improved links between services.

The new bus network will start on Sunday 27 April 2008, but from March 2008, new bus stop flags and timetable information will appear at bus stops and shelters in the Stourbridge area.

Below is a summary of the main changes:

Services 9, 227, 228, 246, 250, 251, 291 and 292 will have minor timetable changes.

Services 247/A, 248/A/C, 287, 289, 290, 293 and 296 will be withdrawn.

Services 256 and 257 will have reduced frequencies.

Services 294 and 295 will have evening and sunday journeys introduced.

Services 297 will be extended to Dudley from Merry Hill.

New services introduced to replace the above withdrawn services are -

242 / 242A: Stourbridge - Oldswinford - Pedmore Fields - Fatherless Barn - Halesowen - Haden Hill - Old Hill - Netherton - Cinder Bank - Dudley. This is a partial replacement of the services 247/A and 248A, with service 242A operating via Old Hill Station on evenings and Sundays.

276: Stourbridge - Junction Station - Pedmore Fields - Lye - Merry Hill - Darby End - Dudley. This service partially replaces sections of the journey between Stourbridge and Merry Hill on Services 247/A and 248/A. There will no be direct link to Russells Hall Hospital from Pedmore, as the section of route between Merry Hill and Dudley is part of the current 276 service.

259: Stourbridge - Wall Heath.

X96: Wollaston Farm - Stourbridge - Penfields - Merry Hill - Dudley.

SBI will try and get all timetables updated and created as soon as possible after the changes have come into force.

For more information, visit the Network West Midlands Website for further details on these changes.