BUS passengers in Blackheath, Oldbury and Sandwell are being consulted about proposed wide-ranging changes to services.

National Express wants to change the 48, 80, 83, 89 and 120 routes in April and have launched a consultation with passengers.

The new changes are being made to include routes to the new Midlands Metropolitan Hospital in Smethwick, changes in passenger behaviour and counter upcoming roadworks.

Andy Foster, National Express head of network management, said: “We have to make changes every so often to make sure our passengers can rely on their bus service.

"There are a number of major roadworks coming up which will significantly increase traffic levels on the local road network.

"In addition, people’s travel patterns change over time."

He added: “We are looking to make these changes in April 2017.

"We would like your feedback - good or bad - on our proposals by Sunday, February 5.

"You can email us at services@nationalexpress.com.”

Changes to the 89 Birmingham to Blackheath route include linking people to West Bromwich rather than Oldbury, with the route being unchanged between Birmingham and Smethwick.

Between Oldbury and Blackheath, the new route 120A will replace the 89 at a higher 20 minute frequency.

120, 120A and 128 continue to link Oldbury with Tat Bank Road/Rood End Road.

And the 89 will provide a direct link from West Bromwich to Birmingham City Hospital on Dudley Road and will also provide a direct link to the new Midland Metropolitan Hospital, which is currently under construction. 120 – Birmingham to Oldbury and Dudley and 120A – Birmingham to Oldbury and Blackheath Route and frequency unchanged between Birmingham and Oldbury, 120 continues to run every 20 minutes between Oldbury and Dudley.

The new 120A introduced every 20 minutes between Birmingham, Oldbury and Blackheath, replacing the 89 between Oldbury and Blackheath.

There will also be faster journey times to Birmingham with more buses and new links to Hagley Road for passengers from Blackheath and Lion Farm.