The key elements of the
proposal are:
- Brand new state of the art bus station, with 25% increase in capacity, full DDA
compliance and high quality passenger information and facilities
- Significant highway measures to remove delays and increase reliability for
buses in the Brierley Hill area, including a dedicated bus only link and two bus
lanes with bus gates
- Segregation of buses from general traffic without loss of highway capacity
- New bus stop infrastructure and RTI at key locations along strategic routes
- New commercial multi-operator Smartcard (e-purse and bus)
- Bespoke marketing and communications campaign
- Workwise support to help 1,090 people into employment
- £2.2.m investment in brand new euro 5 buses
- On Vehicle Displays (Talking Buses) on strategic routes, which are:
- 002 Merry Hill - Weoley Castle
- 81 Merry Hill - Wolverhampton via Dudley
- 222 Merry Hill - Dudley
- 226 Merry Hill - Dudley
- 246 Stourbridge - Dudley
- 255 Merry Hill - Wolverhampton
- 297 Halesowen - Stickley via Merry Hill
- X96 Wollaston - Wrens Nest via Merry Hill and Dudley
The 2.2M pounds for new buses is coming from both NXWM and Diamond
Sounds good - especially the highway and segregation measures.
I know at least some of it is coming - I hope it *all* happens.
I'm confused about routes 81 and 255 having next stop announcements as i can't sew them installing tridents and mercs with Next Stop Announcements. New buses maybe?
New buses from diamond guess the investment could be for the 226 as the 002 has the centro's.
Quote from: Trident 4609 on June 21, 2013, 11:00:25 PM
I'm confused about routes 81 and 255 having next stop announcements as i can't sew them installing tridents and mercs with Next Stop Announcements. New buses maybe?
Diamond
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 22, 2013, 12:17:18 AM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on June 21, 2013, 11:00:25 PM
I'm confused about routes 81 and 255 having next stop announcements as i can't sew them installing tridents and mercs with Next Stop Announcements. New buses maybe?
Diamond
No the NX 255 and 81 will have NSA aswell
Quote from: Trident 4609 on June 22, 2013, 12:19:46 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 22, 2013, 12:17:18 AM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on June 21, 2013, 11:00:25 PM
I'm confused about routes 81 and 255 having next stop announcements as i can't sew them installing tridents and mercs with Next Stop Announcements. New buses maybe?
Diamond
No the NX 255 and 81 will have NSA aswell
Are you sure? (I'm not saying you're wrong)
Perhaps B7RLEs will be allocated to both routes which will be fitted with announcements. Two ideas off the top of my head:
1: Swap the 81's Mercs and 255's Tridents with B7RLE route/s (e.g. the 2/3/4), putting those Mercs and Tridents on the other routes and the B7RLEs fitted with next stop announcements placed on the 81 and 255.
or 2: Another new order of B7RLEs (14/64 plate?) for WN garage which are fitted with next stop announcements for the 81 and 255, displacing the Mercs on the 81 for withdrawal and cascading the Tridents off the 255 to Pensnett for a double-decker upgrade of the 246 (allowing Pensnett Merc withdrawals)?
I think that all buses should be fitted with audio announcements like london personally.
Quote from: Trident 4609 on June 22, 2013, 12:59:35 AM
I think that all buses should be fitted with audio announcements like london personally.
Mercs, B6s, B10s, Presidents, Spectras? All of which won't be around in a few years time. Go to sleep Nath ;) ;D (only joking)
Quote from: dgss1 on June 21, 2013, 09:00:24 PM
The key elements of the
proposal are:
- Brand new state of the art bus station, with 25% increase in capacity, full DDA
compliance and high quality passenger information and facilities
- Significant highway measures to remove delays and increase reliability for
buses in the Brierley Hill area, including a dedicated bus only link and two bus
lanes with bus gates
- Segregation of buses from general traffic without loss of highway capacity
- New bus stop infrastructure and RTI at key locations along strategic routes
- New commercial multi-operator Smartcard (e-purse and bus)
- Bespoke marketing and communications campaign
- Workwise support to help 1,090 people into employment
- £2.2.m investment in brand new euro 5 buses
- On Vehicle Displays (Talking Buses) on strategic routes, which are:
- 002 Merry Hill - Weoley Castle
- 81 Merry Hill - Wolverhampton via Dudley
- 222 Merry Hill - Dudley
- 226 Merry Hill - Dudley
- 246 Stourbridge - Dudley
- 255 Merry Hill - Wolverhampton
- 297 Halesowen - Stickley via Merry Hill
- X96 Wollaston - Wrens Nest via Merry Hill and Dudley
The 2.2M pounds for new buses is coming from both NXWM and Diamond
Just wondering, the 246 doesn't actually go to Merry Hill, only Brierley Hill, so why is it included in that list?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 22, 2013, 01:12:51 AM
Quote from: dgss1 on June 21, 2013, 09:00:24 PM
The key elements of the
proposal are:
- Brand new state of the art bus station, with 25% increase in capacity, full DDA
compliance and high quality passenger information and facilities
- Significant highway measures to remove delays and increase reliability for
buses in the Brierley Hill area, including a dedicated bus only link and two bus
lanes with bus gates
- Segregation of buses from general traffic without loss of highway capacity
- New bus stop infrastructure and RTI at key locations along strategic routes
- New commercial multi-operator Smartcard (e-purse and bus)
- Bespoke marketing and communications campaign
- Workwise support to help 1,090 people into employment
- £2.2.m investment in brand new euro 5 buses
- On Vehicle Displays (Talking Buses) on strategic routes, which are:
- 002 Merry Hill - Weoley Castle
- 81 Merry Hill - Wolverhampton via Dudley
- 222 Merry Hill - Dudley
- 226 Merry Hill - Dudley
- 246 Stourbridge - Dudley
- 255 Merry Hill - Wolverhampton
- 297 Halesowen - Stickley via Merry Hill
- X96 Wollaston - Wrens Nest via Merry Hill and Dudley
The 2.2M pounds for new buses is coming from both NXWM and Diamond
Just wondering, the 246 doesn't actually go to Merry Hill, only Brierley Hill, so why is it included in that list?
Because the funding was awarded for Brierley Hill Better Bus fund not just Merry Hill, The intention is that Merry Hill will be linked in to Brierley Hill
Quote from: Winston on June 22, 2013, 01:18:42 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 22, 2013, 01:12:51 AM
Quote from: dgss1 on June 21, 2013, 09:00:24 PM
The key elements of the
proposal are:
- Brand new state of the art bus station, with 25% increase in capacity, full DDA
compliance and high quality passenger information and facilities
- Significant highway measures to remove delays and increase reliability for
buses in the Brierley Hill area, including a dedicated bus only link and two bus
lanes with bus gates
- Segregation of buses from general traffic without loss of highway capacity
- New bus stop infrastructure and RTI at key locations along strategic routes
- New commercial multi-operator Smartcard (e-purse and bus)
- Bespoke marketing and communications campaign
- Workwise support to help 1,090 people into employment
- £2.2.m investment in brand new euro 5 buses
- On Vehicle Displays (Talking Buses) on strategic routes, which are:
- 002 Merry Hill - Weoley Castle
- 81 Merry Hill - Wolverhampton via Dudley
- 222 Merry Hill - Dudley
- 226 Merry Hill - Dudley
- 246 Stourbridge - Dudley
- 255 Merry Hill - Wolverhampton
- 297 Halesowen - Stickley via Merry Hill
- X96 Wollaston - Wrens Nest via Merry Hill and Dudley
The 2.2M pounds for new buses is coming from both NXWM and Diamond
Just wondering, the 246 doesn't actually go to Merry Hill, only Brierley Hill, so why is it included in that list?
Because the funding was awarded for Brierley Hill Better Bus fund not just Merry Hill, The intention is that Merry Hill will be linked in to Brierley Hill
Oh I see.
Winston, any thoughts on what was said above, about NX's 81 and 255 receiving next stop announcements?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 22, 2013, 01:19:53 AM
Quote from: Winston on June 22, 2013, 01:18:42 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 22, 2013, 01:12:51 AM
Quote from: dgss1 on June 21, 2013, 09:00:24 PM
The key elements of the
proposal are:
- Brand new state of the art bus station, with 25% increase in capacity, full DDA
compliance and high quality passenger information and facilities
- Significant highway measures to remove delays and increase reliability for
buses in the Brierley Hill area, including a dedicated bus only link and two bus
lanes with bus gates
- Segregation of buses from general traffic without loss of highway capacity
- New bus stop infrastructure and RTI at key locations along strategic routes
- New commercial multi-operator Smartcard (e-purse and bus)
- Bespoke marketing and communications campaign
- Workwise support to help 1,090 people into employment
- £2.2.m investment in brand new euro 5 buses
- On Vehicle Displays (Talking Buses) on strategic routes, which are:
- 002 Merry Hill - Weoley Castle
- 81 Merry Hill - Wolverhampton via Dudley
- 222 Merry Hill - Dudley
- 226 Merry Hill - Dudley
- 246 Stourbridge - Dudley
- 255 Merry Hill - Wolverhampton
- 297 Halesowen - Stickley via Merry Hill
- X96 Wollaston - Wrens Nest via Merry Hill and Dudley
The 2.2M pounds for new buses is coming from both NXWM and Diamond
Just wondering, the 246 doesn't actually go to Merry Hill, only Brierley Hill, so why is it included in that list?
Because the funding was awarded for Brierley Hill Better Bus fund not just Merry Hill, The intention is that Merry Hill will be linked in to Brierley Hill
Oh I see.
Winston, any thoughts on what was said above, about NX's 81 and 255 receiving next stop announcements?
I thought work on expanding/rebuilding Merry Hill bus station would have started by now. Logic would say the routes included in the scheme would get new buses but the NSA is a bit of kit that can be installed/removed from older buses in the interim
Anything will be better than the y plate darts that's on the 226 nowadays. Could a Quartet of E200s be viable?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 22, 2013, 12:23:24 AM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on June 22, 2013, 12:19:46 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 22, 2013, 12:17:18 AM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on June 21, 2013, 11:00:25 PM
I'm confused about routes 81 and 255 having next stop announcements as i can't sew them installing tridents and mercs with Next Stop Announcements. New buses maybe?
Diamond
No the NX 255 and 81 will have NSA aswell
Are you sure? (I'm not saying you're wrong)
Perhaps B7RLEs will be allocated to both routes which will be fitted with announcements. Two ideas off the top of my head:
1: Swap the 81's Mercs and 255's Tridents with B7RLE route/s (e.g. the 2/3/4), putting those Mercs and Tridents on the other routes and the B7RLEs fitted with next stop announcements placed on the 81 and 255.
or 2: Another new order of B7RLEs (14/64 plate?) for WN garage which are fitted with next stop announcements for the 81 and 255, displacing the Mercs on the 81 for withdrawal and cascading the Tridents off the 255 to Pensnett for a double-decker upgrade of the 246 (allowing Pensnett Merc withdrawals)?
I definitely agree that it would be nice for Tridents to be displaced from somewhere onto the 246. Not sure about B7RLEs on the 255 though as I am pretty sure that Double Decker capacity is needed on the 255.
Quote from: D10 on June 22, 2013, 01:42:00 PM
I definitely agree that it would be nice for Tridents to be displaced from somewhere onto the 246. Not sure about B7RLEs on the 255 though as I am pretty sure that Double Decker capacity is needed on the 255.
D10,
I'd agree with both those points, refub'd Tridents on the 246 would be useful for increasing capacity. The 255 needs to retain double deckers as loading quite by quite high
Is it possible all the mentioned routes may recieve new buses? I mean how many could 2.2million buy??
Quote from: danny on June 22, 2013, 06:29:16 PM
Is it possible all the mentioned routes may recieve new buses? I mean how many could 2.2million buy??
Not at lot!
It would buy around 14-15 full size single deckers @ circa £150k each
or
17 x E200's @ circa £130k each
Quote from: Winston on June 22, 2013, 06:37:20 PM
Quote from: danny on June 22, 2013, 06:29:16 PM
Is it possible all the mentioned routes may recieve new buses? I mean how many could 2.2million buy??
Not at lot!
It would buy around 14-15 full size single deckers @ circa £150k each
or
17 x E200's @ circa £130k each
Does anyone know the PVRs of the routes?
And, we must also remember that the 222 already has new buses.
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on June 22, 2013, 10:02:45 PM
Quote from: Winston on June 22, 2013, 06:37:20 PM
Quote from: danny on June 22, 2013, 06:29:16 PM
Is it possible all the mentioned routes may recieve new buses? I mean how many could 2.2million buy??
Not at lot!
It would buy around 14-15 full size single deckers @ circa £150k each
or
17 x E200's @ circa £130k each
Does anyone know the PVRs of the routes?
And, we must also remember that the 222 already has new buses.
255/E is 8 or 9
246 is 10
Quote from: Shaun on June 22, 2013, 10:09:20 PM
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on June 22, 2013, 10:02:45 PM
Quote from: Winston on June 22, 2013, 06:37:20 PM
Quote from: danny on June 22, 2013, 06:29:16 PM
Is it possible all the mentioned routes may recieve new buses? I mean how many could 2.2million buy??
Not at lot!
It would buy around 14-15 full size single deckers @ circa £150k each
or
17 x E200's @ circa £130k each
Does anyone know the PVRs of the routes?
And, we must also remember that the 222 already has new buses.
255/E is 8 or 9
246 is 10
Thanks Shaun. It looks like we won't be seeing as many new buses as I thought.
Just wondering about the next stop announcements. If they get fitted to old buses (which someone has said on here is a possibility) - could the be heard? Just going on how loud a merc can get sometimes
Quote from: Kevin on June 23, 2013, 10:33:04 PM
Just wondering about the next stop announcements. If they get fitted to old buses (which someone has said on here is a possibility) - could the be heard? Just going on how loud a merc can get sometimes
Let's hope not! I'd rather listen to an overrevving Merc than some annoying woman announcing every little cul-de-sac we go past
Quote from: Kevin on June 23, 2013, 10:33:04 PM
Just wondering about the next stop announcements. If they get fitted to old buses (which someone has said on here is a possibility) - could the be heard? Just going on how loud a merc can get sometimes
With multiple speakers, they could be, would there be any point fitting next stop announcements on Mercs & B6s which are to be withdrawn next year?
It says on the scheme that money has been set aside; does that mean that nx werent going to upgrade the 222 but were going to upgrade the rest?
Quote from: dgss1 on June 30, 2013, 08:25:05 PM
It says on the scheme that money has been set aside; does that mean that nx werent going to upgrade the 222 but were going to upgrade the rest?
Part of NX's commitment to the scheme was to upgrade the 222
I understand that Centro and Westfield are dotting the i's and crossing the t's before signing the final agreement, which is why there has been no public announcement yet.
Quote from: Roy on July 04, 2013, 01:49:37 PM
I understand that Centro and Westfield are dotting the i's and crossing the t's before signing the final agreement, which is why there has been no public announcement yet.
Thanks Roy,
I did do a search to see if there were any artists impressions or site plans, do you know if the scheme still involves re-developing / extending the current bus station. As the Centro/NXWM announcement states a new bus station?
It will be interesting to see where a temporary bus station will be located whilst building work in being undertaken
The last I heard was that the new bus station will be on the same site but will be increased in size by about 30%. The new buses-only link road from Pedmore Road will come in between the pet shop and Matalan, while The Boulevard is intended to be widened. I have no idea of the contingency plans to be put in place while the new station is being built.
I'm looking forward to the plans being made public. Hopefully, it shouldn't be too long now.
Quote from: Roy on July 04, 2013, 02:26:43 PM
The last I heard was that the new bus station will be on the same site but will be increased in size by about 30%. The new buses-only link road from Pedmore Road will come in between the pet shop and Matalan, while The Boulevard is intended to be widened. I have no idea of the contingency plans to be put in place while the new station is being built.
I'm looking forward to the plans being made public. Hopefully, it shouldn't be too long now.
That's tie's in with what I last heard/saw announced, its a project that is long, long overdue....... if they ever want to seriously reduce the number of journeys be car they may need more capacity that 30% extra for potential future requirements of increased frequencies or new routes. The new bus station waiting areas ideally needs to be linked in to the old shopping centre entrances by the pet shop or Lloyds with enclosed glass or fabric canopies to allow bus passengers to jump straight off the bus & in to the shopping centre without being exposed to the elements during the winter months. That said the bus only road will effectively cut-off access between the pet shop entrance & Matalan, things may become more clearer when a proposed site plan is released, it doesn't sound as though in will now we complete until mid 2014 at the earliest?
My understanding is that the bus station work will start in February or March 2014 (after the Christmas rush and January sales) with completion in Autumn 2014 (before the next Christmas rush).
Quote from: Roy on July 04, 2013, 03:10:26 PM
My understanding is that the bus station work will start in February or March 2014 (after the Christmas rush and January sales) with completion in Autumn 2014 (before the next Christmas rush).
That sounds fairly realistic if they are currently finalising details, as they will need to agree a scheme, appoint a main contractor & various sub contracts to undertake the work
The best thing to do would build the pedmore road bus link reclaim some of the staff car park the back of two by two and some of the land the back of matalan for bus stops and then shut the original station for redevelopment. It would help also if routes were re scheduled to minimise lay over and relief point moved to dudley, stourbridge or West Brom on the routes that also use those stations.
Winston what I meant is that centro have persuaded nx to upgrade the 222, and maybe the rest of the routes were going to be upgraded anyway?
Quote from: dgss1 on July 04, 2013, 04:02:56 PM
Winston what I meant is that centro have persuaded nx to upgrade the 222, and maybe the rest of the routes were going to be upgraded anyway?
I would have thought centro played a small part in that i would have thougt the 222 would receive new midis when NX purchased them as its a high profile midi bus route. But without centro the next bus stop announcement feature probably would have been on that route.
Quote from: richie on July 04, 2013, 03:53:22 PM
The best thing to do would build the pedmore road bus link reclaim some of the staff car park the back of two by two and some of the land the back of matalan for bus stops and then shut the original station for redevelopment. It would help also if routes were re scheduled to minimise lay over and relief point moved to dudley, stourbridge or West Brom on the routes that also use those stations.
That sounds like a very good plan, and would cause the least inconvenience to bus users / shoppers, do you work in planning????? There is also the derelict land where the Robin Hood pub once stood that could provide the entrance/exit for a direct bus only link on to the Pedmore Road
I haven't seen any plans for the new Merry Hill bus station, but I wonder if any consideration will be given to the possibility of the Metro tram being extended to Merry Hill at some point in the future? As it would make sense to allow for a potential tram terminus when designing and building the new bus station, to save any headaches in the future.
Imagine being able to get a tram to Merry Hill and then be able to easily connect with an onward bus journey, or vice-versa...
The original plans for the Metro was for it to leave the railway line at Round Oak and then head towards Level Street, crossing it near where Daniel's yard used to be and then follow the canal towpath with the Merry Hill stop at the top of the flight of steps that go down to M&S. It would have then crossed the canal and terminated near the old Brierley Hill swimming baths. Any later extension southwards to Stourbridge Junction would have been via Moor Street to rejoin the railway there. I understand that that is still the favoured Centro route even if the line was built for Tram-Train.
Therefore, it would go nowhere near the bus station.
Quote from: Roy on July 04, 2013, 07:48:30 PM
Therefore, it would go nowhere near the bus station.
Probably for the best, I imagine if it did it would be chaos
Quote from: Kevin on July 05, 2013, 07:38:25 AM
Quote from: Roy on July 04, 2013, 07:48:30 PM
Therefore, it would go nowhere near the bus station.
Probably for the best, I imagine if it did it would be chaos
Options are limited really, as Merry Hill was never designed with public transport in mind, personally I think if they are serious about boosting the number of bus journeys to/from Merry Hill they should potentially look as doubling capacity in the new bus station to allow for future expansion & sacrifice the entire car park in front of Halfords. The bus station should be fully covered with seamless access straight in to the shops.....
The latest news I have is that the initial agreement between Westfield and Centro has been signed, and detailed design work will be undertaken over the next 3 to 4 months.
Work on both the new road layout and the new Bus Station will start next March with completion of the entire scheme before the end of October 2014.
The new Bus Station will have 2 stands more than the existing one. There are two options for the site of the new Bus Station. It could be on the site of the existing one (extended into the adjoining car park). The alternative is to take over the car park alongside the Asda petrol station. If the second option was taken, it would probably be possible to use the existing Bus Station while the new one is being built.
But will diamond really invest in new buses for the 226-it can hardly be one of their most profitable routes so I would be surprised-yes more buses for the 4M and 4 etc or possibly even more new stuff for the 002 which seems to make a killing but not so sure about the 226. When will we know for certain where the new buses are going??
Quote from: Roy on July 20, 2013, 07:43:22 PM
The latest news I have is that the initial agreement between Westfield and Centro has been signed, and detailed design work will be undertaken over the next 3 to 4 months.
Work on both the new road layout and the new Bus Station will start next March with completion of the entire scheme before the end of October 2014.
The new Bus Station will have 2 stands more than the existing one. There are two options for the site of the new Bus Station. It could be on the site of the existing one (extended into the adjoining car park). The alternative is to take over the car park alongside the Asda petrol station. If the second option was taken, it would probably be possible to use the existing Bus Station while the new one is being built.
I hope for the last option, purely because it means annoying motorists by reducing the number of parking spaces
Quote from: Roy on July 20, 2013, 07:43:22 PM
The latest news I have is that the initial agreement between Westfield and Centro has been signed, and detailed design work will be undertaken over the next 3 to 4 months.
Work on both the new road layout and the new Bus Station will start next March with completion of the entire scheme before the end of October 2014.
The new Bus Station will have 2 stands more than the existing one. There are two options for the site of the new Bus Station. It could be on the site of the existing one (extended into the adjoining car park). The alternative is to take over the car park alongside the Asda petrol station. If the second option was taken, it would probably be possible to use the existing Bus Station while the new one is being built.
Thanks for the update Roy!
Whichever site is chosen, the new bus station needs to be linked in to one of the main shopping centre entrances via a completed enclosed glass walkway with automated doors exiting to buses, this will ensure that bus passengers can exit the shopping centre & jump straight on to their bus without being exposed to the elements. Additionally, access for cars through Times Square Avenue should be banned, with that section being buses only. Cars should not be allowed past the Asda petrol station or the last entrance/exit of the car parks in front of Matalan regardless of which site is chosen
Quote from: Winston on July 21, 2013, 10:06:27 PM
Quote from: Roy on July 20, 2013, 07:43:22 PM
The latest news I have is that the initial agreement between Westfield and Centro has been signed, and detailed design work will be undertaken over the next 3 to 4 months.
Work on both the new road layout and the new Bus Station will start next March with completion of the entire scheme before the end of October 2014.
The new Bus Station will have 2 stands more than the existing one. There are two options for the site of the new Bus Station. It could be on the site of the existing one (extended into the adjoining car park). The alternative is to take over the car park alongside the Asda petrol station. If the second option was taken, it would probably be possible to use the existing Bus Station while the new one is being built.
Thanks for the update Roy!
Whichever site is chosen, the new bus station needs to be linked in to one of the main shopping centre entrances via a completed enclosed glass walkway with automated doors exiting to buses, this will ensure that bus passengers can exit the shopping centre & jump straight on to their bus without being exposed to the elements. Additionally, access for cars through Times Square Avenue should be banned, with that section being buses only. Cars should not be allowed past the Asda petrol station or the last entrance/exit of the car parks in front of Matalan regardless of which site is chosen
Great to hear from you again, Winston! Your view above is very valid.
Quote from: The Retiring Rat on July 22, 2013, 10:28:31 AM
Quote from: Winston on July 21, 2013, 10:06:27 PM
Quote from: Roy on July 20, 2013, 07:43:22 PM
The latest news I have is that the initial agreement between Westfield and Centro has been signed, and detailed design work will be undertaken over the next 3 to 4 months.
Work on both the new road layout and the new Bus Station will start next March with completion of the entire scheme before the end of October 2014.
The new Bus Station will have 2 stands more than the existing one. There are two options for the site of the new Bus Station. It could be on the site of the existing one (extended into the adjoining car park). The alternative is to take over the car park alongside the Asda petrol station. If the second option was taken, it would probably be possible to use the existing Bus Station while the new one is being built.
Thanks for the update Roy!
Whichever site is chosen, the new bus station needs to be linked in to one of the main shopping centre entrances via a completed enclosed glass walkway with automated doors exiting to buses, this will ensure that bus passengers can exit the shopping centre & jump straight on to their bus without being exposed to the elements. Additionally, access for cars through Times Square Avenue should be banned, with that section being buses only. Cars should not be allowed past the Asda petrol station or the last entrance/exit of the car parks in front of Matalan regardless of which site is chosen
Great to hear from you again, Winston! Your view above is very valid.
Cheers Rat ;)
Unfortunately, I've heard that there not be traffic free transfer from the buses into the shopping centre. There will be crossing points, but on bus only roads.
I would have liked to have seen something like the bus station at Gateshead Metrocentre, where there is a large island platform with about 10 bus stands, and escalators and a bridge link take you directly into the top floor of the shopping centre.
Quote from: Roy on July 30, 2013, 03:14:03 PM
Unfortunately, I've heard that there not be traffic free transfer from the buses into the shopping centre. There will be crossing points, but on bus only roads.
I would have liked to have seen something like the bus station at Gateshead Metrocentre, where there is a large island platform with about 10 bus stands, and escalators and a bridge link take you directly into the top floor of the shopping centre.
Roy,
That's what it needs to make bus travel more attractive to shoppers, it still sounds as thought the new bus station will offer little more than the current one does.....
Quote from: Winston on July 30, 2013, 10:24:45 PM
Quote from: Roy on July 30, 2013, 03:14:03 PM
Unfortunately, I've heard that there not be traffic free transfer from the buses into the shopping centre. There will be crossing points, but on bus only roads.
I would have liked to have seen something like the bus station at Gateshead Metrocentre, where there is a large island platform with about 10 bus stands, and escalators and a bridge link take you directly into the top floor of the shopping centre.
Roy,
That's what it needs to make bus travel more attractive to shoppers, it still sounds as thought the new bus station will offer little more than the current one does.....
I wonder if the centre has a real commitment to public transport or just a token gesture? Build a good infrastructure put in place light rail also and they could easily charge a couple of quid for parking
Quote from: richie on July 30, 2013, 10:28:11 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 30, 2013, 10:24:45 PM
Quote from: Roy on July 30, 2013, 03:14:03 PM
Unfortunately, I've heard that there not be traffic free transfer from the buses into the shopping centre. There will be crossing points, but on bus only roads.
I would have liked to have seen something like the bus station at Gateshead Metrocentre, where there is a large island platform with about 10 bus stands, and escalators and a bridge link take you directly into the top floor of the shopping centre.
Roy,
That's what it needs to make bus travel more attractive to shoppers, it still sounds as thought the new bus station will offer little more than the current one does.....
I wonder if the centre has a real commitment to public transport or just a token gesture? Build a good infrastructure put in place light rail also and they could easily charge a couple of quid for parking
Token gesture me thinks, sounds as though it will be a let down by the time it's finally completed
Quote from: Winston on July 30, 2013, 10:30:00 PM
Quote from: richie on July 30, 2013, 10:28:11 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 30, 2013, 10:24:45 PM
Quote from: Roy on July 30, 2013, 03:14:03 PM
Unfortunately, I've heard that there not be traffic free transfer from the buses into the shopping centre. There will be crossing points, but on bus only roads.
I would have liked to have seen something like the bus station at Gateshead Metrocentre, where there is a large island platform with about 10 bus stands, and escalators and a bridge link take you directly into the top floor of the shopping centre.
Roy,
That's what it needs to make bus travel more attractive to shoppers, it still sounds as thought the new bus station will offer little more than the current one does.....
I wonder if the centre has a real commitment to public transport or just a token gesture? Build a good infrastructure put in place light rail also and they could easily charge a couple of quid for parking
Token gesture me thinks, sounds as though it will be a let down by the time it's finally completed
Let's hope it doesn't follow suit as with newer stations and become smaller :-(
I understand that the new Bus Station site has been decided and will be on the car park between the filling station and the current bus station. The current bus station will be used while the new one is being built. Timescales are still the same with work starting in March 2014 for completion in October 2014. The new bus station will have more departure stands and drop-off points than the current one.
I don't know when the plans are to be made public.
i'd have thought it would be more awkward having it there with all the cars queuing for petrol. thought the idea was to segregate buses from other traffic
Quote from: Andrew on October 22, 2013, 01:27:10 PM
i'd have thought it would be more awkward having it there with all the cars queuing for petrol. thought the idea was to segregate buses from other traffic
I think the main decision for choosing that site was to be able to keep the current bus station open whilst the new one is built.
I think the bus station entrance/exit should be located on the either on to The Boulevard or at the top of Times Square Avenue to segregate buses from cars. I also think that the extent of the bus station should run up to Lloyds TSB Bank & the back of TK Maxx and be covered with a canopy to provide bus passengers with a seamless exit on to buses from the shopping centre
http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/betterbybus/BBBIndex.aspx it seems NWM want people to park for free in Cradley Heath and pay to catch the bus to Merry Hill even though parking at merry hill is also free.
Quote from: Andrew on November 11, 2013, 10:50:38 AM
http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/betterbybus/BBBIndex.aspx it seems NWM want people to park for free in Cradley Heath and pay to catch the bus to Merry Hill even though parking at merry hill is also free.
The only way that would ever happen is if the roads around Merry Hill become snarled up with traffic and once the new bus lanes are completed that car drivers can see buses disappearing off in the distance whilst they've only moved a short distance. But I don't think the planned bus lanes/bus only gates will be that extensive so the car will still rule for Merry Hill
Are any of the roads between Cradley and Merry Hill wide enough to have normal lanes of traffic and bus lanes?
Quote from: Kevin on November 11, 2013, 07:08:27 PM
Are any of the roads between Cradley and Merry Hill wide enough to have normal lanes of traffic and bus lanes?
Nope, as I understand it the bus lanes/gates are confined to within the shopping centre complex or main junctions exiting the complex
Not unless they knock down Quarry Bank town centre to make the road wider! ;D
Instead of promoting parking for cars at Cradley Heath, they'd do better to encourage people to take the train to Cradley Heath, from where they can catch a bus to Merry Hill.
As a matter of interest, how are they going to park at Cradley Heath station car park during the week ? The car park is full by 8.00 a.m.
Quote from: Roy on November 11, 2013, 09:14:53 PM
As a matter of interest, how are they going to park at Cradley Heath station car park during the week ? The car park is full by 8.00 a.m.
Probably on that car park opposite which charges, so then the park & ride aspect starts to get expensive.