Coventry bus network review deferred to 2012

A review of the bus network in Coventry has been deferred until next year.

Centro, Coventry City Council, and bus operators agreed the implementation of new out-of-city centre routes and timetables should be delayed.

The decision was deferred until 29 January 2012 to give more time to assess the impact on roads of the closure of Broadgate while it is pedestrianised.

The relocation of stops out of Broadgate to new areas will go ahead.

Full impact understood

The pedestrianisation of Broadgate is part of a £7m package of improvements ahead of the city welcoming spectators for Olympic football next year.

The route will close permanently to traffic in the autumn.

Centro, the Midlands' transport authority, said all partners felt it was important the full impact of the closures on traffic was understood before introducing the new bus routes and timetables.

Coventry and Solihull area manager Steven Hayes said: "Originally it was intended to introduce the new network at the end of October but as time has gone on it has become clear it is in passengers' best interests that we make this evaluation first.

"The service we provide is of paramount importance and it would be irresponsible to introduce new timetables that could potentially be at risk from these major works.

"Delaying the review should mean that when the revised services are introduced, they should operate reliably from day one."