Bus stops outside Northfield Shopping Centre, which were controversially suspended in October as part of a trial of ways to speed up bus routes, are to be reinstated after complaints from service users and local businesses.
More than 300 people signed a petition against the suspension of the stops and service users and businesses were urged to submit their feedback to Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).
In light of feedback received, TfWM visited the site and have made the decision to put the bus stops back into use.
In a response to service users, a representative wrote:”Due the nature of the very specific concerns in relation to this site, a joint decision has been made to put these stops back in use from Monday 5 February 2018.”
The reinstatement only affects a limited number of stops – the trial will continue at most of the stops affected across south Birmingham.
Service user Angie Reynolds, who had raised concerns about the suspension, said: “It’s great that our views have been heard and acted upon, and I’m sure that bus users will be relieved to see these stops in use again.”
Northfield BID Town Centre Manager Marcia Greenwood said: “On behalf of the Northfield business community, we are delighted that common sense has finally prevailed and TfWM will be reinstating the bus stop that was suspended outside off the Northfield Shopping Centre. We know that the closure of this bus stop, even on a temporary basis caused an ‘inconvenience’ the Northfield community.
“By campaigning for its reinstatement, this shows that if the Northfield community comes together for a common cause, together we can make a difference!”