549 bus route to service New Cross & Walsall Manor Hospitals

UPDATE: You can view/download the 549 bus timetable here.

As reported in the Express and Star today, a new bus route is set to begin running next week that links two of the regions main hospitals.

The 549 bus service will take passengers between Walsall Manor Hospital and New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.

The half-hourly service which begins on Monday will start from St Paul’s Street in Walsall, calling at both hospitals and travel via Bentley and Wednesfield, then on to Wolverhampton city centre.

The service will be run by commercial operator Midland and extra buses will be introduced to cover the route, which will operate Mondays to Saturdays between 8am and 6pm.

West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority, Centro chairman Councillor Gary Clarke, said: “This new service is excellent news for local people by providing affordable and easy transport to two of the region’s main hospitals from major residential areas.

“This will be a major benefit to all people living along the route, but especially elderly people and those with limited mobility by making it easier than ever to access the hospital, attend appointments or visit family and friends.”

A single journey bus ticket will cost £1.70 and the free National Concessionary Travel Pass for passengers over 60, eligible blind and disabled people will be accepted.

Midland managing director David Reeves said: “We realised that there was no easy way of travelling from Wednesfield into Walsall, from Pool Hayes into Wolverhampton or between the two hospitals without having to change buses.

“We’re delighted to provide the new 549 service which will fill those gaps in the network and provide a fast link between Walsall and Wolverhampton too.”

For next week only, fares will cost of £1 for adults and 50p for children.