A new bus and tram interchange is to be built in Dudley on the site of the current bus station following approval by West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) leaders. The interchange is due to open in 2023 \u2013 the same year that trams are due to start running through Dudley as part of the West Midlands Metro extension to Brierley Hill.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The aim is provide seamless connectivity between bus, tram and (in the longer term) a planned Sprint bus service giving improved links to jobs and leisure opportunities throughout the region. There will be comfortable waiting areas, real time information, cycle parking facilities and a selection of retail units included.<\/p>\n
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: \u201cLike other town centres Dudley has been hit hard in recent years, which is why the WMCA is putting its cash to good use to help revitalise the borough. Through helping to knock down\u00a0the tombstone of Cavendish House\u00a0to make way for the Portersfield development, to extending the Midland Metro through the town to Brierley Hill, we are committed to doing what we can to support the council in bringing their ambitious \u00a31bn masterplan to life. That\u2019s why I am delighted we have approved even more funding for Dudley, with the new interchange set to provide a fitting gateway to what will be a revitalised and reborn town centre.\u201d<\/p>\n
The new interchange will cost \u00a324 million with most of the funding coming from the Transforming Cities Fund with additional contributions from Dudley Council and the WMCA. Transport for West Midlands will lead on the project in partnership with Dudley Council.<\/p>\n
Cllr Ian Ward, WMCA portfolio holder for transport and leader of Birmingham City Council, said: \u201cAcross the West Midlands we are investing in our bus, rail, tram and cycling networks to grow our economy, offer a clean and convenient alternative to private cars and traffic congestion and improve the lives of millions of people. Dudley Interchange will act as a catalyst to the redevelopment of the town centre and support investment and jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n
The current bus station was built in 1986 and is now the oldest in the West Midlands. It was also one of the busiest with (pre-pandemic) 420,000 bus departures per year. By 2023 with trams also running via the interchange it is expected to be a vital interchange for passengers travelling round the region.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A new bus and tram interchange is to be built in Dudley on the site of the current bus station following approval by West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) leaders. The interchange is due to open in 2023 \u2013 the same … Continue reading