National Express West Midlands has slashed bus fares inside a new Sandwell and Dudley low fare zone.

New fares include paying just £3 for a day ticket and £1.50 for a child day ticket. An adult weekly travelcard for journeys inside the zone is now just £11 and a child’s weekly travelcard is now only £5.50.

The low fare zone takes in Stourbridge, Merry Hill, Dudley, Wednesbury, West Bromwich, Oldbury, Blackheath and Halesowen with the M5 being the Eastern border of the zone. Managing Director Peter Coates said: 

“Our customers tell us they want to travel around the Black Country for less. This new Sandwell and Dudley low fare zone means Black Country people can pay local to stay local, visiting the great shops and attractions in the area.

“This new three-pound day ticket is cheaper than an hour’s parking at Russells Hall Hospital and Black Country passengers will be able to buy the new eleven-pound weekly ticket on the bus – we hope that will make travelling even easier.

The new system started on Sunday 12th February 2017 and has proven popular. Richard Marshall, cabinet member for leisure at Sandwell Council, added: 

“We are happy to hear about the reduced day rate for bus users in Sandwell. This is a great opportunity for people to visit Sandwell, the gateway to the Black Country and Birmingham, and experience some of the fantastic places we have on offer.

"From Sandwell Valley Country Park, the Oak House Museum, Haden Hill House Museum and Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery as well as eleven award-winning parks and leisure facilities.

"You can experience great shopping at New Square Shopping Centre in West Bromwich, which offers a mix of high street and designer shops. There is also a great choice of restaurants to cater to all tastes and plenty of entertainment for young people and families.”