Following the announcement that the Taxibus service, which operates in the Meriden Gap, was to be suspended, I immediately requested a meeting with senior officials from Transport for West Midlands (formerly Centro) and launched a petition in the local community. A number of local Councillors, including Councillor Bob Sleigh, also submitted appeals.
However, I regret that despite our combined efforts, TfWM have advised that they do not have the financial means to reinstate or sustain the publicly subsidised service in its original form. They explained that this was as a result of increased demand for the service; which was originally designated as a special needs transport service and, argued that the service had begun to be used more frequently by more without special needs.
They went on to described how, due to the high cost associated with running the service, simply raising the fares to meet the difference in cost would not provide a competitive or sustainable service to passengers. This was primarily because their most up to date information showed that for the service to break even, the cost of any fare rises would be far greater than passengers were willing to pay.
Nevertheless, in response to the concerns raised, TfWM explained that they will be looking very closely at the operational efficiency of the replacement 'IGo' 89 service. Furthermore, that they will provide additional transport to support those with limited mobility.
I understand that this is not the outcome that many local residents have hoped for and I share in your disappointment.
However, I would like to reassure residents of the following agreed action:
- In response to public concern about the accessibility of this service, the Transport Authority will look to run a 'dial up' shuttle service to support residents with limited mobility.
- The bus stops situated along the route will be positioned so that no passenger has to walk more than 400m to catch a bus.
- Solihull Council Leader, Cllr Bob Sleigh and I will continue to monitor this service closely to ensure that the ‘igo’ 89 service provides a reliable, viable alternative for passengers.
- The Transport Authority will conduct a three month review to identify and tackle issues that may arise during the implementation of the 'igo’ 89 bus.
- I will today (Thursday) be submitting my petition to the new West Midlands Combined Authority to highlight the volume of public concern.
I will continue to update residents with regards to any further progress in this case and will continue to work with TfWM to get the best possible deal for passengers. Meanwhile, information relating to the new ‘igo’ 89 service, including a timetable, can be found here.
Caroline Spelman MP