A new bus station for Stourbridge, shielding long-suffering passengers from the elements for the first time, is being proposed by transport bosses.
Modern facilities are likely to include enclosed waiting areas with automatic doors that open when the bus has arrived, CCTV cameras and airport-style departure screens for the 35 routes and more than 600 buses per day.
West Midlands public transport promoter Centro has drawn up alternative layouts for a £3.5 million development.
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"The existing bus station functions well, but it is really not a great deal more than a collection of shelters," said PTA chairman Coun Gary Clarke (Con Walsall Streetly).
"The people of Stourbridge certainly deserve better and this sort of facility will help make public transport much more attractive."
Centro said similar developments at Wednesbury and West Bromwich had been warmly welcomed by passengers in recent years.
Ultimately, a Centro spokeswoman added, Stour-bridge bus station could be relocated depending on the outcome of plans for major town centre redevelopment but bosses have decided to press on with more immediate improvements because of the urgent need for better passenger facilities. Any future relocation of the bus station would expect to be funded, at least in part, by the wider redevelopment.
Meanwhile, a new piece of public art has been erected at the Sandwell and Dudley transport interchange.
The striking sculpture of a peacock, made from coloured and textured stainless steel sheets, was designed by local artist Anu Patel to represent the multi-cultured community found in Sandwell, Dudley and the wider West Midlands. Centro's public art scheme aims to create familiar sights at key public transport points in the region.
Coun Roger Horton, PTA lead member for Sandwell, said: "Landmarks like this help to raise people's pride in their local area, and help people to navigate their way around the public transport network. This eye-catching sculpture reflects Sandwell and Dudley's multi-cultural community and enhances the appearance of this important public transport interchange."
