Centro is committed to providing the best possible infrastructure and facilities to all its bus services, from stops to shelters and especially bus stations. The refurbishment and development of is a continuous process, adhering to the principle of putting the passenger first.

 

These bus stations and interchanges, especially since the roll-out of Network West Midlands, make it easier than ever before for passengers to switch from mode to mode effortlessly.

 

Bilston Bus Station received a £461,000 makeover in 2006. The scheme includes new CCTV, easy access kerbs at bus stands, improvements to lighting and information, provision of more staff facilities, an expanded café, and public art provision.

 

The bus station opened in 1989 and was last upgraded 15 years ago. Around 1,220 buses use the facility on a daily basis, taking people across the Black Country and it is adjacent to Bilston Central Midland Metro stop.

 

Bearwood's new look bus station was opened in 2004 after a £350,000 redevelopment by Centro. The bus station has three modern shelters, improved carriageway and paving, new CCTV cameras and Help Points.

 

An electronic passenger information board showing the next service and when it is due has also been installed.

 

Wednesbury's new £2.2 million bus station opened for business to the town's travelling public in 2004.

 

The bus station, a partnership between Centro and Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, replaced the outdated facility with a number of modern features designed to make waiting for and travelling on the bus more comfortable and easier, as well as providing a direct link to Wednesbury's shopping centre.

 

Eleven enclosed stands feature lighting, seating, CCTV, electronic passenger information signs and information, toilets and art features. In addition there are staff and driver facilities on site.

Almost a thousand buses a day use Wednesbury Bus Station and it is the hub for 27 different routes connecting passengers to all local shopping, leisure and work facilities as well as linking with other bus services and Midland Metro.

 

Since 2005, Wolverhampton passengers no longer face a cold and draughty wait for the bus following the completion of a £2.1 million improvement to the city's bus station.

 

Centro refurbished the bus station over a period of four years with improved stands, carriageways, crossings, passenger information, lighting, seating and safety and security systems installed.

 

It also includes electronic bus departure boards plus a new waiting area for coach passengers and toilets in the historic Queens Building on Pipers Row.

 

Wolverhampton station is one of the busiest in the West Midlands with more than 180 departures per hour – an average of one bus leaving every twenty seconds. Eventually the facility is to become part of a new public transport interchange which will also include the nearby main line rail station and Midland Metro.

 

After taking on board people's comments, Centro has submitted plans to Dudley Council for Stourbridge's new state-of-the-art bus station.

 

The designs include 11 upgraded bus stands where passengers can wait in modern, spacious glass shelters with electronic doors that open when the bus arrives, providing extra protection from the weather.

 

Centro plans to put electronic passenger information screens at strategic points within the bus station telling people when their bus will depart, including Real Time Information where it is available. There will also be CCTV and help points.

 

If the proposals are approved there will also be a new passenger facilities building and toilet block right in the heart of the bus station. The existing toilets will be converted into a special facility for bus drivers, which will include toilets and refreshment room.

 

Also included in the plans is a new circular pedestrian access ramp, which has been specifically designed for wheelchair users, and will improve the link from Foster Street East to the bus station and Stourbridge Town rail station.

 

The open area created by the new ramp will become an attractive public space with seating so that people can relax away from the hustle and bustle of the bus station. The plans also include a new bus layover bay inside the bus station which will complement the two already provided by Dudley Council on Foster Street East.

 

Centro is eagerly awaiting news of the proposed plans.