Black Country bus passengers are set to benefit from a significant boost as three new services begin operating this weekend, all serving the popular Merry Hill shopping destination.
National Express West Midlands is introducing the 25, 142 and 142A routes from Sunday (July 26), providing enhanced connectivity across the region. The new services will replace current routes operated by Diamond Buses.
Route 25: Kidderminster to Dudley via Stourbridge
The number 25 service will run from Kidderminster to Dudley, passing through Stourbridge, Withymoor and Merry Hill. During daytime hours Monday to Saturday, buses between Dudley and Stourbridge will operate every 30 minutes, while services extending to Kidderminster will run every 60 minutes. Evening buses between Dudley and Merry Hill will run every 60 minutes Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, daytime buses between Dudley and Stourbridge will run every 60 minutes. This service replaces the current 25A operated by Diamond.
Routes 142 and 142A: Halesowen to Merry Hill
The 142 and 142A services will connect Halesowen to Merry Hill via Stourbridge and Hawbush. Daytime buses on each route will run every 60 minutes Monday to Saturday, with a combined frequency of 30 minutes. On Sundays, daytime buses between Stourbridge and Halesowen will operate every 60 minutes. These services replace the current 142 and 142A operated by Diamond.
The introduction of these routes is expected to improve access for shoppers and residents, particularly those visiting Merry Hill, one of the largest retail destinations in the West Midlands. According to National Express West Midlands, the new timetables aim to provide more reliable and frequent services for passengers.
