GOODBY 88A AND WITH LUCK HELLO NEW 89 BUS ROUTE?

When changes were made last year to introduce the new 88a extended service to replace the old 76 bus route I did say I would liaise with members of the public and if needed work with Centro to tweek the service.

 Since then I have passed on to Centro a number of concerns from local bus users.

 Now as a result, Centro who have been working closely with Central buses have devised a timetable which will hopefully meet the requirements of existing and potential passengers. The changes will  make the service more reliable and ultimately will to try and make the service more sustainable in the longer term. 

In summary;

·         88A renumbered to 89 and retimed to depart Kingstanding Circle at 0930 then hourly until 1430 which should suit concessionary pass holders better.

·         To navigate the Old Oscott loop in an anticlockwise direction only. To improve clarity for passengers and drivers and save time to improve reliability and punctuality.

·         The service will now turn at Birdbrook Road / Dyas Road Island.

·         New Route via the High Street, Erdington to give better access to shops.

T     The route will continue to take in the Kingstanding Circle.

I trust the above and the attached are agreeable but we would welcome your comments before Centro confirm this with the operator.

 I would very much like to thank all those residents and bus users who have been in touch with me regarding this matter.

The start date for these new arrangements will be announced once Centro and the bus operator reach a final agreement.