Dudley MP welcomes £3 billion 'boost' for better buses

Dudley MP, Sonia Kumar has welcomed the reinstatement of a bus service secured after raising concerns directly with Transport for West Midlands and championing residents affected by the route’s withdrawal earlier this year.

TfWM has now confirmed that an hourly off-peak service will return to Sledmore Estate from Monday 26 January, running approximately between 09:30 and 15:30, with direct links to Dudley and Blackheath. Updated timetables will be published at least two weeks before the reinstatement.

The decision comes as the Labour Government announces a landmark £3 billion national funding package for buses, including £119 million for the West Midlands Combined Authority, marking the biggest reform of England’s bus system in 40 years.

The new multi-year funding model will allow local transport authorities to improve reliability, protect socially necessary routes, and develop long-term investment plans — powers now strengthened under the new Bus Services Act, which became law in October.

Sonia Kumar MP said: “This is fantastic news for residents of Sledmore. The loss of the 215 route caused real disruption — affecting people’s ability to get to work, appointments and essential services.

"I promised to fight for this community, and I’m delighted that Transport for West Midlands has listened and acted. Restoring an hourly service will make a huge difference to daily life on the estate.”

“This reinstatement also reflects the wider change happening under the Labour Government. After 14 years of decline under the Conservatives, we finally have a national plan backed by £3 billion to deliver faster, cheaper and more reliable buses.

"For Dudley and the wider West Midlands, this means more stability, more local control, and the ability to protect routes exactly like the 215.”

Under the new funding settlement, councils and Mayoral Combined Authorities will have long-term certainty to:

• lower fares,
• introduce new routes,
• invest in zero-emission buses,
• and create safer bus stops and stations.

The Government has also capped bus fares at £3 until March 2027, preventing the price hikes that had been expected under previous plans.

Minister for Roads and Buses, Simon Lightwood, added: “For too long passengers have been let down by unreliable services, sub-standard bus stations and years of routes being cut.

"This £3 billion boost will change that — delivering lower fares, more frequent and reliable services, and safer journeys.”