Warwickshire News Mine

An experiment using OpenCalais and Google Maps to tag news stories

High flying launch for new bus route

Birmingham International Airport was the launch venue for a new bus service, linking towns from across north Warwickshire, including Nuneaton and Atherstone, with the airport.

Seven new buses are to begin operating on routes between Birmingham International Airport, Coleshill, Kingsbury, Atherstone, Nuneaton and for the first time Tamworth.

Two refurbished buses are operating on a route between Birmingham International Airport, Coleshill, Water Orton and now also Sutton Coldfield.

The new buses should be easy to spot in Warwickshire County Council’s green and yellow `county-links’ colours.

Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “For a long time people have called for this dedicated bus service. I’m looking forward to working in partnership with the three bus operators involved to ensure the new routes are supported by local people.”

Steve Hill, Head of Planning and Transportation at Birmingham International Airport, added: "This new bus route further reinforces the convenient location of Birmingham International Airport for people across the Midlands. The route will give Warwickshire residents an easier, quicker and convenient way to access the airport.”

Phil Medlicott, Managing Director for Stagecoach in Warwickshire, said: "The low floor, easy access buses that have been introduced on these services are fantastic news for the residents on the routes. The county council’s commitment to improving public transport mirrors ours and it is great that Birmingham International Airport is now an accessible destination for people with mobility problems.”

Peter Johnson, Director of Johnson’s Coaches, said: “We are justifiable proud of our long association with Warwickshire’s ground braking travel initiatives, such as this. Everyone recognises that for us all to leave our cars at home there has to be viable alternatives such as these new services.”

Keith Myatt, Communications Manager for Arriva Midlands, said: “We welcome the opportunity to develop the Tamworth to Birmingham Airport route in conjunction with the county council. The new routes represent a whole new range of journey possibilities for people in Tamworth and North Warwickshire.”