The 222 Bus Service
A SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP, DELIVERING GROWTHTravel West Midlands, part of the National Express Group, is today pleased announce several significant alterations to their popular 222 service operating in the Black Country between Dudley, Russells Hall Hospital and the Merry Hill Shopping Centre - whilst also being able to report an impressive 15% growth in patronage. From Sunday 25th February, the 222 has increased from a 12 minute service to every 10 minutes (Monday to Saturday) and from every 30 minutes to buses every 20 minutes on Sundays. Aside from the new timetable amendments, TWM, Centro PTA and Dudley MBC have also worked together to provide the 222 with 100% low floor, easy access, route branded buses, a new evening service for Russells Hall Hospital staff and improvements in information and route infrastructure.Alex Perry, Area Director for TWM’s Black Country area said; "I am delighted that together with Centro WMPTA and Dudley MBC we have achieved a 15% increase in passenger numbers from 2000 through to 2006. As part of our ongoing commitment to both existing and potential customers in the area, we hope the new timetable will give further opportunities for people in the local community to use the 222. Throughout 2007 further enhancements are taking place which will include the new Network West Midlands branding together with a text-messaging facility at bus stops. Coupled with our new dedicated 222@travelwm.co.uk email address, we hope these improvements and true partnership working will provide yet more developments to our overall service offering. The input from our customers has been vital over the past six years in helping initiate these changes."Councillor Angus Adams, Cabinet Member for Transportation at Dudley MBC commented; "This is a good example of partnership for the benefit of bus users and the general improvement in public transport. This is proved by the 15% increase in patronage on this important bus route."Councillor Gary Clarke, Chairman of Centro WMPTA added; "Modern, accessible, safe and frequent bus services such as the 222 put people in each reach of family, friends, shops, leisure facilities and healthcare. We’re very pleased that this partnership working has led to the frequency being increased to provide a turn up and go service."Pictured: (left to right) partners: Phil Tonks - Bus Users UK, Stephen Rhodes - Centro PTA, Alex Perry - Area Director Black Country Travel West Midlands- The 222 service operates from Dudley > Russells Hall Estate > Russells Hall Hospital > Pensnett > Brierley Hill and Merry Hill Shopping Centre. Select and view online timetables.- The official Centro PTA website can be viewed at www.centro.org.uk- The official National Express Group website is at www.nationalexpressgroup.com- Comments from the public and the media on the 222 service are very welcome - please contact TWM via the 222’s new, dedicated email address at 222@travelwm.co.uk
Published 28th February 2007