NATIONAL Express Coventry has announced major timetable and route changes in and around the city.
It says it is responding to public opinion in making the most extensive changes for seven years.
Since then there have been significant developments across the city and surrounding areas, and travel patterns have changed, the bus operator adds.
The changes which will take effect from Sunday September 22.
Chris Gibbens, commercial director of National Express Bus, said: “Our current network of Coventry bus routes has remained relatively unchanged since 2012. However the local population and demand for bus services has (changed). With so much change happening we also need to consider the future of bus travel in and around this vibrant city.
“During June and July 2019 we held a consultation on the proposed changes to our services. We’ve listened to our customers, our staff, local community groups and councillors and based on their feedback we’ll be implementing our new network of bus services.
“Overall, most customers will see an improvement with more punctual and frequent buses. Where journeys involve a change of bus we’ve worked hard to better coordinate our services to make it simpler and easier for our customers.
“We’re introducing new links to the University Hospital and Westwood Business Park as well as connecting customers from across the city to important faith, community and health centres. To support these changes we’re delighted to create more jobs in Coventry by employing more drivers and running more buses to help improve the service we offer.”
Around 1,500 people completed a public consultation survey, the company says.
It adds the results include…
* 85 per cent of those that completed the survey said buses should serve Eagle Street to cater for the faith, community and health centres.
National Express Coventry is introducing a new 3 and 3A service along Eagle Street and Springfield Road.
* 92 per cent were in favour of running more buses at peak times on the 5 and 7 through Coundon.
More peak buses will be introduced and the service will be better coordinated during off-peak periods to reduce customer waiting time.
* 86 per cent said they would like the 8 and 8A to run along Corporation Street in both directions.
National Express Coventry is changing the route in line with this feedback.
* 71 per cent thought it would be good to have a direct link between Holbrooks and Coventry rail station.
The road layout at the rail station is changing in November so National Express is delaying the change to allow time to assess how the new road layout works.
National Express Coventry adds: “Many asked for the proposed city centre route change to be reconsidered and for more buses to reduce overcrowding between Earlsdon, the University and Kenilworth.
“Based on the feedback received the 11 will remain on its current route from the rail station to Pool Meadow and the frequency will be increased from Coventry to the University and on to Kenilworth and Leamington.
“Other main benefits of the changes are: Buses will run more often to Allesley, Bell Green, Brownshill Green, Canley, Cheylesmore, Coundon, Earlsdon, Fargo Village, Hillfields, Holbrooks, Kenilworth, Keresley, Kirby Corner, Leamington Spa, Spon End, Tile Hill, University of Warwick, Westwood Park, Willenhall and Wood End.
“Improved evening and Sunday services for Canley, Cheylesmore, Coundon, Hillfields and Holbrooks.
“Extra early morning buses on Saturdays for many areas.
“Some routes benefit from extra Sunday morning buses.
“New direct link from Hillfields to University Hospital.
“New direct link from Allesley Park to University Hospital.
“New daytime service to Westwood Business Park from Coventry city centre and rail station.
“New direct links from Allesley Park and Canley to University Hospital.
“The disadvantages for a small number of customers are:
” Some direct links across the city centre will change, so some people may have to change buses in the city centre.
“Buses will run slightly less often to Allesley Park and some parts of Binley to help improve reliability.”
Full details of the changes are available online at www.nxcoventry.co.uk.
Printed booklets will be available from the National Express travelshop in Pool Meadow bus station from early September and staff will also be on hand to answer any questions, the operator adds.
