The service has become part of West Midlands Bus On Demand – here’s a rundown of the changesA West Midlands Ring and Ride bus.A West Midlands Ring and Ride bus.

The changes to the Birmingham and Solihull Ring and Ride service, now part of West Midlands Bus On Demand , are summarized below:

  • New Operator and Unified Service: The Ring and Ride service for Birmingham and Solihull, along with Coventry’s On Demand services, have been merged into a single operation called West Midlands Bus On Demand . This new, unified service is being run by the operator Via with the goal of making the network simpler and easier for passengers to use.
  • Focus on Efficiency and Passenger Experience: The integration brings with it a series of upgrades designed to boost both the service’s overall efficiency and the experience for its passengers. The West Midlands Mayor highlighted that this change is intended to guarantee “affordable, high quality and accessible transport.”
  • Introduction of New Vehicles: As part of the upgrades, the service has introduced a new fleet of smaller, more agile vehicles . This change is aimed at improving operational flexibility and efficiency, and specifically allows wheelchair users to travel together .
  • Service Hours Remain Unchanged: Despite the major operational changes, the existing service hours have not been altered . This ensures continuity for current passengers who rely on the service at specific times.
  • Retained Regional Access for Eligible Users: Individuals who were eligible for the former Ring & Ride scheme will retain their access to travel throughout the wider West Midlands region . This preserves the original service’s scope for its key demographic.
  • Separate Black Country Contract: A separate change has occurred for the Black Country Ring and Ride service , which has been awarded to a different operator, HATS , with that new contract also coming into effect this week.

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