New Number 98 Bus Route Announced to Link Solihull and Heartlands Hospital

A new bus service, the number 98, will launch from Solihull town centre to Heartlands Hospital beginning January 4, 2026. The route will pass through Lyndon, Sheldon, Garrett’s Green, and Bordesley, restoring public transport access for residents in several key areas.

Councillor Kathryn Thomas, representing the Marcot Road and Wichnor Road community, collaborated with Transport for the West Midlands to address residents’ requests for improved bus services. “I’m delighted to confirm that Wagon Lane, between the A45 and Marcot Road, along with Marcot Road itself, will regain a bus service starting 4th January,” she said.

Operated by Diamond Buses, the number 98 will run Monday through Saturday, replacing the previous National Express 73 service with an adjusted route through Lyndon and Olton. This change is particularly beneficial for residents on Marcot Road and parts of Wagon Lane, providing them with reliable public transport once again.

The 98 bus will align with the existing number 99 service from Solihull, sharing a route through Lyndon before branching off along Marcot Road and continuing via the Wheatsheaf area in Sheldon and Garrett’s Green to Heartlands Hospital. This offers parts of Lyndon, currently underserved, direct access to the hospital and key local destinations.

With the 98 and 99 services both operating every 30 minutes during most daytime hours on weekdays and Saturdays, certain Lyndon neighborhoods will effectively receive a bus every 15 minutes from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Outside these times, between 7 am and 9 am as well as 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm, buses will run every 20 minutes. However, the 98 service will not operate on Sundays, leaving the 99 to maintain hourly service on those days.

This new route is expected to greatly improve public transportation options for residents and hospital visitors alike, enhancing connectivity across the wider Solihull and Birmingham area.