Local fury has erupted in Solihull after transport bosses decided to axe a vital bus service connecting residents directly to a major hospital. The move will leave many, particularly those with mobility issues, stranded and struggling to reach medical appointments and loved ones.
Campaign Launched to Save Hospital Link
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) recently announced a major shake-up of the 73 bus route, which currently runs from Solihull Town Centre to Heartlands Hospital. From January, the service will be renumbered to the 98/99. However, a crucial route change means it will no longer stop on Old Lode Lane, a key road through the Hatchford Brook area.
In response, Elmdon ward councillor Laura McCarthy and campaigner Michael Ward have launched a public petition demanding an immediate U-turn. The petition calls for the new 98/99 service to be revised to include a loop from the Wheatsheaf pub, down Hobs Moat Road and onto Old Lode Lane, before rejoining Coventry Road.
Residents Fear Being Cut Off from Vital Services
Councillor McCarthy highlighted the severe impact the cut will have on the community. She stated that many residents on Old Lode Lane have been in touch, expressing deep concern about how they will now access the hospital.
"People reached out saying 'how am I going to get to the hospital' and 'I have regular appointments', or 'I go and visit loved ones'," she explained. "And a couple of people have said I work there."
She emphasised that walking to another stop or changing buses is not a practical solution for many residents with mobility problems. The strength of local feeling was immediately apparent, with the online petition gaining more than 40 signatures in its first few hours.
Transport Authority Defends Network Redesign
A spokesperson for Transport for West Midlands acknowledged residents' concerns but defended the decision as part of a wider network redesign. They argued that by combining the 73 with another service to create the new 98/99, they had prevented the total loss of routes and created a more frequent service for the broader area.
"Residents of Old Lode Lane can still reach Heartlands Hospital with a single change of bus," the spokesperson stated. However, campaigners argue this compromise fails vulnerable residents who rely on a direct, accessible link to essential healthcare services.
The petition continues to gather support and can be found on the Solihull Liberal Democrats website. The community now waits to see if transport bosses will listen to their pleas and restore this critical connection.
