A BUS company has slashed fares inside a new Sandwell and Dudley low fare zone.

National Express West Midlands' low fare zone takes in Stourbridge, Merry Hill, Dudley, Wednesbury, West Bromwich, Oldbury, Blackheath and Halesowen.

For those travelling within the zone, adult day tickets will cost £3 - a saving of £1.60, and an adult weekly travelcard has been knocked down to £11 from £15.70.

The travel firm's managing director, Peter Coates, said: “Our customers tell us they want to travel around the Black Country for less.

"This new Sandwell and Dudley low fare zone means Black Country people can pay local to stay local, visiting the great shops and attractions in the area.

"These new, cheaper fares are not available to our customers in Birmingham or Coventry.”

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, Dudley Council's cabinet member for economic development, welcomed the news.

He said: "The new cheaper day ticket will be a great opportunity for residents and visitors to the borough to take in some of the many attractions we have to offer.

“From the Red House Glass Cone and wider Glass Quarter in Stourbridge, to Himley Hall and Park to visitor attractions such as the Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Zoological Gardens, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust and our own Dudley Archives.

"There’s something for all tastes and ages in the borough.”

Richard Marshall, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for leisure, said he was "happy to hear" about the reduced day rate for bus users.

He continued: “This is a great opportunity for people to visit Sandwell and experience some of the fantastic places we have on offer – from Sandwell Valley Country Park, the Oak House Museum, Haden Hill House Museum and Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery as well as 11 award-winning parks and leisure facilities.

"You can experience great shopping at New Square Shopping Centre in West Bromwich, which offers a mix of high street and designer shops. 

"There is also a great choice of restaurants to cater to all tastes and plenty of entertainment for young people and families.”

For more information on travel within the zone, visit www.nxbus.co.uk/paylocal.