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Bus Services
Introduction
Most areas of the West Midlands are well served by bus services. Centro has policies that promotes the use of buses with improved facilities on services that it subsidises. The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), established under the Transport Act 1985, has established standards in vehicle design to help make them easier to use, and many modern buses in the West Midlands now conform to these standards. The main features of these buses are low step heights, brightly coloured handrails, designated seats for people with mobility difficulties, palm operated bell pushes and other features.
Low Floor Accessible Bus Services
There are an increasing number of bus services using low floor buses in the West Midlands, which are designed for easy access for people with disabilities, and for people with pushchairs and buggies. The main access features of low floor buses are:
· Bright colour contrasting handrails
· 1 space for wheelchair users
· Space for people with buggies
· Kneeling suspension to lower the front step
· Ramp to enable access for wheelchair users
· Flat wide entrance without steps
· Priority seats for people with mobility difficulties
For information on services that are operated using low floor buses, contact Centro Hotline 0121 200 2700.
Bus Showcase
Bus Showcase services are designed to improve the quality of all aspects of bus travel, and have a number of features that make travel by bus more easier for people with mobility difficulties. Features such as accessible low floor buses, accessible well lit passenger shelters, improved passenger information and real time audio and visual information make Showcase services more attractive to all. Drivers are specially trained in customer care and disability awareness too. The network of services is currently being expanded, with Showcase services available in many Districts of the West Midlands.
For further information on Bus Showcase services contact Centro Hotline 0121 200 2700.
Wheelchair Accessible Bus/Coach Services
A number of companies have wheelchair accessible vehicles for hire, and some of these are listed below. It is always sensible to seek quotations before booking the private hire of a vehicle.
| Happy Wanderer Travel |
Strathyre Coaches |
| 17 College Road |
The Coach House |
| Handsworth Wood |
Ivy Road |
| Birmingham B20 2HU |
Stirchley |
| 0121 523 5068 |
Birmingham B6 4NG |
| 0121 433 4600 |
| Amber Mobility |
| Metro Depot, Yard 2 |
| Viking Tours and Travel |
Pool Road Industrial Estate |
| 2 Ryder Close |
Nuneaton |
| Swadlincote |
Warwickshire CV10 9AE |
| Derbyshire DE11 9EU |
02476 375858 |
| 01283 217012 |
Facsimile 01283 550685
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| Pattersons Coaches |
| Unit 36 Elliot Road |
| Selly Oak |
| Birmingham B29 6LR |
| 0121 472 6520 |
| Facsimile 0121 414 1776 |
| 0121 471 2000 |
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Community Transport Services
There are Community Transport services in five of the boroughs of the West Midlands. The organisations listed below offer minibus facilities for community groups in their area. Some buses are able to provide transport for people using wheelchairs, and it is sometimes possible to provide a driver with the bus.
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| Birmingham Community Transport |
Walsall Community Transport |
| The Old School |
Anchor House |
| Dixon Road |
Birch Street |
| Small Heath |
Walsall |
| Birmingham B10 0BS |
WS2 8HZ |
| 0121 771 1520 |
01922 721720 |
| Coventry Community Transport |
Wolverhampton Community Transport |
| 269 Sovereign Road |
43 Broad Street |
| Earlsdon |
Bilston |
| Coventry CV5 6LT |
West Midlands WV14 0BU |
| 024 76 691433 |
01902 496010 |
| Sandwell Community Transport |
| Gladys Pemberton House |
| 34 Oldbury Road |
| Greets Green |
| West Bromwich |
| West Midlands B70 9ED |
| 0121 520 8168 |
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Voluntary Transport Services
There are a number of organisations offering transport on a voluntary basis to people with a mobility problem. The following organisations will be able to provide information on what may available in your area.
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| Birmingham |
Solihull |
| Disability West Midlands |
DIAL Solihull |
| Prospect Hall, College Walk |
Lowbrook Day Centre |
| Selly Oak |
Chichester Grove |
| Birmingham B29 6LE |
Chelmsley Wood |
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0121 414 1616 Fax: 0121 414 0077
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Birmingham B37 5RZ |
0121 770 0333
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| Dudley |
Walsall |
| Dudley and District Disablement Association |
Darlaston Fellowship for the Disabled |
| 7 Albion Street |
27 Hall Street East |
| Brierley Hill |
Darlaston |
| West Midlands DY5 3EE |
West Midlands WS10 8PL |
| 01384 484587 |
0121 526 4044 |
| Sandwell |
Wolverhampton |
| C.A.R.E.S. |
Wolv'ton Association for the Disabled |
| The Carers Centre |
'Hasland' |
| 2 Bearwood Road |
Suckling Green Lane |
| Smethwick |
Codsall |
| West Midlands B66 4HH |
Wolverhampton |
| 0121 558 7003 |
West Midlands |
| 01902 452765 |
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Ring and Ride
Ring and Ride is a door-to-door accessible service operating in the West Midlands. It is provided for anyone who finds it impossible or difficult to use ordinary bus services. The service uses minibuses with lifts, so that people who use wheelchairs or find steps very difficult can use the bus. Ring and Ride is funded by Centro and operated by West Midlands Special Needs Transport Ltd, a registered charity. The service is free to concessionary pass holders, with non pass holders paying fares similar to those charged on other bus services in the area. The service operates from 0800 until 2300, 7 days a week. For further information, you can contact one of the local numbers as shown, or you can write to the Company's Head Office at:
Ring and ride 218/220 Windsor Street, Nechells, Birmingham B7 4NE.
0121 333 3107
The local telephone numbers for Ring and Ride enquiries are:
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| Coventry |
024 76 602177
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Solihull/East Birmingham |
0121 784 6644 |
| Dudley |
0121 567 3000 |
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South Birmingham |
0121 486 2663 |
| North Birmingham |
0121 333 3108 |
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Walsall |
01922 402232 |
| Sandwell |
0121 567 3000 |
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Wolverhampton |
01902 421515 |
Minicom users should contact:
0121 359 0593
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Taxibus
Taxibus services operate within the rural area between Solihull and Coventry, and offer an efficient door to door service for local residents. The service uses accessible minibuses that can accommodate one wheelchair conforming to international standards. Centrocard and Busmaster cards as well as Senior Citizens and Blind or Disabled passes can be used on the service.
For further details telephone
0121 783 6869
during normal office hours.
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National Express Coach Services
National Express operates coach services to all parts of the country from the West Midlands including all major airports. Currently, none of their vehicles are able to carry passengers in their rigid wheelchairs, and some of the coaches used have steep steps at the entrance. The company is willing to provide some assistance to people with mobility difficulties and will arrange for staff to help passengers at main coach stations. If you think you will require such assistance, please tell the agent when you book, so that arrangements can be made. Folding wheelchairs can be carried on National Express Coaches by prior arrangement. Electric wheelchairs cannot be carried.
For service information and credit/debit card bookings call
08075 808080 (Lines open 8.00am to 10.00pm, 7 days a week).
Please allow 5 clear days for your tickets to arrive.
Web site: www.gobycoach.com
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