Premier 997 Launched!

Travel West Midlands have launched their brand new £1m Premier 997 bus service, which will be operating between Walsall and Birmingham from Sunday 30th January 2005.The striking Premier 997 was unveiled to the public yesterday via one of TWM’s successful ’Rolling Launches’. The launch took in several important areas along with 997 route including Walsall, Aldridge, Rushall and the Pheasey. This ensured that those who will have access to the service, were able to see at first-hand, the investment made by TWM into the 997. Joining TWM for the launch were WMPTA Chairman Cllr Gary Clarke and the Leader of Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council, Cllr Tom Ansell.Phil Bateman, Divisional Corporate Affairs Director said: "We hope that this new premier service will begin to attract car users back onto public transport. This limited stop, fast timetable service will see 9 brand new Wright’s Gemini Double-Decked vehicles operating on the route, all of which have our latest "CrystalEyes" multi-media CCTV technology fitted for the benefit of our customers. The vehicles are fitted with semi-coach seating which give an enhanced all round seat pitch, adding to passenger comfort. With additional features such as low-floor, easy access vehicles we hope that these high quality internal and external specifications will give benefits for both existing and potential passengers. Our ’rolling launch’ was successful and we took one of the new vehicles to the heart of several local communities through which the 997 will operate. Route information and other items were handed out and the atmosphere was enhanced by local jazz band, ’The Jazz Ramblers’. A great way for a premier bus operator, to launch a premier service."Premier 997 will operate in the peak periods from Walsall to Birmingham via Aldridge every 20 minutes. In the off-peak period, the 997 will switch to link Aldridge - Birmingham direct, again on a 20 minute frequency. During the evenings and on Sundays, the service will operate hourly.Premier Bus will be operating out of TWM’s Walsall Garage.Click here for Premier 997 timetable.Click here for details of changes to other services in the Pheasey area.Pictured (left to right: Dave Donaldson (General Manager, Walsall) Cllr Gary Clarke (Chairman, WMPTA) & Martin Hancock (Marketing & Development Director TWM)

Published 28th January 2005