A new direct bus service giving an express link between Cannock and Birmingham has hit the road just in time for the school summer holidays.

The X31 will depart from Cannock bus station every hour Mondays to Saturdays and travel via Cheslyn Hay, New Invention, Short Heath, Ashmore Lake, Shepwell Green and Bentley then along the M6 before arriving at Carrs Lane in Birmingham city centre.

The service, which began operating from Monday July 25, is being run by Arriva buses in partnership with Centro, the region’s transport authority, and means parents living along the route can take advantage of Centro summer offers to some of the Midlands’ big attractions such as Cadbury World and the National SEA LIFE Centre.

The X31 was introduced following a major review of bus services in Wolverhampton and west Walsall conducted by Centro which included an extensive public consultation exercise with passengers, businesses and councillors.

Cllr Jon Hunt, vice chairman and lead member for buses for Centro, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to supply for the first time a service linking Birmingham with several areas of Walsall and Cannock.

“Our consultation exercise showed people wanted this service and we, along with Arriva, have been happy to oblige in providing a bus service that will make travelling for commuters, shoppers, day trippers and other passengers a great deal easier.”

Cllr Ian Shires, chairman of the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel for Walsall Borough Council, said: “One of the issues coming back from the survey was that people wanted an express bus to get to Birmingham for work, shopping and leisure.

“We are therefore very pleased that Centro and Arriva have picked up on this. People have expressed a lot of interest since it became known it was going to happen and I sincerely hope it will prove a success.”

Arriva Midlands communications manager Keith Myatt said: “Feedback received from members of the public highlighted the need for a new link from parts of Staffordshire, Walsall and Wolverhampton direct to Birmingham.

“We are pleased to be able to deliver the X31 to meet those needs and we are sure our fantastic fares will suit everyone’s pocket.”

A standard adult single will cost £3.60 from Cannock, Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay, an adult 2-trip ticket (no need to return the same day) £4.50 and a 4-weekly saver unique to X31 customers will cost £25.

From New Invention, Short Heath and Bentley a single will cost £1.80, a 2-trip ticket £3.60 and the 4-weekly saver £25.

However families catching the X31 using ‘n’network daytripper or ‘n’bus one day tickets over the school summer holidays for further savings.

Centro is offering discounts on entry to the Black Country Living Museum, Cadbury World, the National SEA LIFE Centre, Dudley Zoological Gardens, Thinktank, IMAX Cinema and the Light House Cinema.

Up to two adults and four children can travel on a family network daytripper for just £9.20 and this will entitle them to a range of savings on the admission price to the various venues.

Concessionary travel passes will be accepted in the usual way.

For more details on the X31 service and other routes following the network review go to www.networkwestmidlands.com