Newly released data has identified a specific bus service in the West Midlands as the region's most dangerous route, with the highest number of criminal offences occurring on board vehicles. The notorious 74 service, which operates between Birmingham and Dudley via West Bromwich, has been revealed as the primary hotspot for incidents of violence and theft.
Shocking Statistics from Freedom of Information Request
Freedom of information data obtained by BirminghamLive shows that between July and December last year, a total of 62 crimes were reported to police on the number 74 bus route. While the vast majority of passengers travel safely across the region's extensive bus network without encountering problems, this particular service has emerged as a significant concern for authorities.
Breakdown of Reported Offences
The most common type of crime recorded during this six-month period was violence against the person, with 21 separate offences reported involving attacks or fights occurring on board buses. This was closely followed by 20 thefts, indicating a pattern of criminal behaviour affecting passengers' safety and property.
More alarmingly, the data revealed five possession of weapons offences, two robberies, and two sexual offences among the reported incidents. These figures represent only those crimes that were formally reported to police, suggesting that additional incidents may have occurred where passengers chose not to come forward or report their experiences to authorities.
Other Problematic Routes Identified
While the number 74 service was clearly identified as the most dangerous route in the West Midlands, several other bus services also featured prominently in the crime statistics. The data revealed a concerning pattern across multiple routes, with the following services recording the highest number of reported offences during the second half of 2025:
- Number 74 - 62 reported offences
- Number 11A - 43 reported offences
- Number 6 - 42 reported offences
- Number 14 - 36 reported offences
- Number 97 - 35 reported offences
- Number 50 - 34 reported offences
- Number 9 - 32 reported offences
- Number 11C - 27 reported offences
- Number 72 - 26 reported offences
- Number X1 - 24 reported offences
Police Response and Safety Reassurances
Despite these concerning statistics, West Midlands Police have emphasised that the overall risk of becoming a victim of crime on a bus remains very low when considering the millions of journeys that take place across the network every day. Police representatives have stated that the chances of experiencing criminal activity while using public transport are minimal, though they acknowledge the need for continued vigilance.
In response to the data, authorities have confirmed that they have increased patrols around key transport hubs and problematic routes. This enhanced presence aims to deter criminal behaviour and provide reassurance to passengers who rely on bus services for their daily travel needs throughout the West Midlands region.
Broader Context of Public Transport Safety
It's important to note that while certain routes experience higher levels of reported incidents, the vast majority of bus journeys in the West Midlands occur without any safety issues. The regional transport network serves thousands of passengers daily, with most travelling without encountering problems or criminal behaviour.
National Express, the primary operator of bus services in the region, was approached for comment regarding the crime statistics and any measures being implemented to address safety concerns on problematic routes. The company's response and any proposed safety initiatives will be crucial in maintaining public confidence in the region's public transport system.
This data analysis serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting incidents to authorities, as only through accurate reporting can patterns be identified and appropriate resources allocated to improve safety for all public transport users across the West Midlands.
