Major Bus Service Overhaul Hits West Midlands This Weekend
Bus passengers across the West Midlands are bracing for significant changes to services this weekend as operators implement revised timetables. The adjustments, affecting dozens of routes, come as part of a wider review of public transport provision across the region.
National Express West Midlands, the region's largest bus operator, is altering frequencies and routes from Saturday. The changes aim to better match demand and improve reliability, according to the company.
Key Route Changes and Cancellations
Several services will see reduced frequencies, while others are being merged or rerouted. The number 50 between Birmingham and Bartley Green will run less often, with buses every 15 minutes instead of every 10 minutes during peak times.
The X20 service linking Birmingham Airport and Coventry will be withdrawn entirely, replaced by the number 20 which will be extended to cover the airport. This change has been met with concern from regular travelers who say the X20 was faster and more direct.
Services 74 and 75 in the Kingstanding area are being combined into a single route, the 74, which will run every 20 minutes. The 75 will be discontinued.
Impact on Passengers and Commuters
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) says the changes are designed to create a more efficient network. “These revisions reflect passenger usage data and are intended to reduce delays and improve connections,” a TfWM spokesperson said.
However, some passengers are concerned about longer waits and more crowded buses. Regular user Sarah Thompson from Sutton Coldfield said: “I use the 77 to get to work, and now it’s going to be every 30 minutes instead of 20. It’s going to make my commute much harder.”
According to National Express, the changes will affect around 15% of its services, with some routes seeing increases in frequency where demand is high.
Weekend Works and Replacement Services
In addition to timetable changes, engineering works will disrupt some services. The number 11A and 11C circular routes will be diverted due to roadworks in the Small Heath area, with temporary stops in place.
Bus passengers are advised to check the National Express website or app for the latest information. TfWM has also published a detailed list of changes on its website.
The changes come as part of a broader effort to improve bus services across the region, with new electric buses being introduced on several routes later this year.
