A significant new bus priority scheme is poised to improve one of Birmingham’s busiest transit corridors. The West Midlands Combined Authority’s Investment Board is scheduled to review the £15.6 million Cross City Bus Package 6 West plan, focused on upgrading the Number 74 bus route linking Birmingham City Centre and West Bromwich.
This initiative aims to reduce journey times and increase reliability by introducing bus priority measures that enable buses to bypass congestion on the busy A41 Soho Road corridor—a key part of the West Midlands Key Route Network connecting Birmingham to the wider Black Country. The scheme is part of a larger effort consisting of six Cross City Bus packages designed to enhance public transport accessibility and efficiency across the region.
If approved, construction is expected to begin in August and be completed by June next year. The upgrades are projected to cut bus journey times by at least two minutes, boost bus passenger numbers by around five percent, and improve passenger satisfaction by two percent through enhanced facilities.
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Beyond faster journeys, the plan supports a shift from private cars to more sustainable travel modes, helping to reduce congestion and air pollution while promoting healthier lifestyles through improved public transport connectivity. The Cross City Bus Package 6 West will also complement Package 6 East, currently in preparation, to expand network reach and accessibility across the region.
The Investment Board will convene on Monday, March 23, to consider the business case and approve the necessary funding for this transformative transport project.