Diamond Bus service changes: three services in Birmingham set to end

Three of the routes operated by Diamond Bus services in Birmingham have been cancelled.

Last month, Diamond Bus said it would be stopping three of its routes because of rising costs. However, they were able to save some of them with service changes after customers expressed concern.

However, three new routes operated by Diamond Bus are set to be cancelled from April 15 as the contracts for them are up. The services affected are 600, 78, and 25.

Service cancellations and changes from April 15

The following three services were cancelled due to expiry of contract:

1. Service 600 - Erdington to Brookvale Park will be no longer operated by Diamond Bus from April 15.
2. Service 78 Sutton Coldfield to The Queslett - This service will no longer be operated by Diamond Bus due to the expiry of the contract period.
3. Service 25 Erdington to Hodge Hill - This service will no longer be operated by Diamond Bus due to the expiry of the contract period.

For alternative services/operator information please visit Transport for West Midlands. The following services that were previously announced for cancellation, but were subsequently saved with alterations are:

1. Service 45 Walsall to West Bromwich - Service is being cancelled since it is no longer commercially viable for the company to operate. Diamond buses are “continuing to work with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), as they assess the options to see if they are able to financially support the continuation of service in this area.”
2. 4 and 4H Walsall to West Bromwich & Hayley Green Service - Sunday Services from these two routes will be withdrawn. Monday to Saturday services will remain as they currently are.

What Diamond bus said about the latest plans to cancel routes

A Diamond Bus spokesperson said: “The services that you refer to 25, 78 & 600 are all services which we operate under tender contract for Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).

“The tender period for these services expires in April 2023. It is our understanding that all three services are under review by TfWM and at this time, therefore, for alternative services/operator information we would recommend contacting TfWM directly.”

Another Diamond Bus spokesperson added: “The services have been reviewed by Transport for West Midlands and have been awarded under Tender, we have not yet been notified who the new operator will be.”

What Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) said

A spokesman for Transport for West Midlands said: “These services are operated under a contract which finishes on 15 April. The future provision of these services is currently subject to a competitive bidding process with operators.

“Support for bus services is targeted at areas where there is a gap in the bus network and where that support offers value for money for the taxpayer.”