New shopper service introduced for Goldthorn Park in Wolverhampton

Residents in Wolverhampton have been offered a shopping lifeline thanks to the introduction of a new bus service.

The 61 is an off-peak service in Goldthorn Park following a review of bus services in the city by Centro, the region's transport authority, local bus companies and Wolverhampton City Council.

It replaces the former 641, which had previously been withdrawn because of low passenger usage.

It will be operated under subsidy from Centro by West Midlands Special Needs Transport (wmsnt).

A major consultation with the public as part of a recent review of services in Wolverhampton and west Walsall revealed concern in the area that many residents in Goldthorn Park would struggle to access city centre shops and facilities if some form of service was not introduced.

Centro Black Country area manager Babs Coombes said that although the 61 was operated by wmsnt, which also runs the Ring and Ride service throughout the West Midlands, it was open to all members of the public.

She said: “Councillors and residents expressed concern that people such as the elderly and disabled were left without a service on the estate that could get them to important areas such as the markets in the city.

“A service similar to what ran before had been shown to be no longer viable, but we felt it was important that a replacement was found.

“We sat down with people and asked them what they wanted and where they wanted it to run.

“The result is a service that runs on alternate weekdays and a weekend day providing an important link to local shops and markets."

Ward member Cllr Judith Rowley said: “This service is a real lifeline for pensioners and the disabled who depend on public transport and who were facing great difficulty in getting to the shops.

“We campaigned with Centro to secure some form of service and we are delighted that they have listened."

Peter Maggs, Chief Executive of West Midlands Special Needs Transport said: “We are pleased to have been selected to operate this new service for the benefit of the residents of the Goldthorn Estate.

We hope that it will make a real difference to those who rely on public transport, to help them to get to the shops on a regular basis."

The route operates between 9.30am and 3.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

It starts at Ednam Road in Goldthorn Park, running along Hornby Road, Himley Crescent, Dudley Road, Mason Street, then into Queen Street in Wolverhampton city centre, Victoria Street then Wolverhampton markets.

The Wolverhampton and west Walsall bus network review saw a radical reform of services in the area following a major consultation exercise with passengers, businesses and traders and councillors.

The changes cam into effect on July 24, the same day that Wolverhampton's £22.5 million bus station opened its doors to the public.