West Midlands Bus Crime Report: Top 10 Most Dangerous Services Revealed
Exclusive data has identified the West Midlands bus services considered the most dangerous, with detailed figures showing reported crime rates on specific routes during the second half of 2025. The notorious number 74 service maintains its position at the top of the list for violence and overall offences.
Detailed Crime Statistics on Problematic Routes
BirminghamLive has obtained comprehensive police data revealing how frequently offences were reported on West Midlands buses between July and December 2025. The number 74 service, which operates from Birmingham to Dudley via West Bromwich, recorded a concerning 62 reported offences during this six-month period.
The most prevalent crime type on the number 74 route was violence against the person, with 21 separate incidents involving attacks or physical altercations occurring on board. Additionally, there were 20 reported thefts on this service, highlighting multiple security concerns for regular passengers.
Other High-Risk Bus Services Identified
Several other bus routes featured prominently in the crime statistics:
- Number 11A service - 43 reported offences
- Number 6 service - 42 reported offences
- Number 14 service (Birmingham to Chelmsley Wood via Alum Rock) - 36 reported offences
While the majority of passengers travel safely throughout the region without incident, these statistics reveal specific services where trouble occurs more frequently. For those affected, such incidents can be particularly frightening when they happen during routine journeys to work, shops, or family visits.
Complete List of Top 10 Problematic Services
The West Midlands bus services with the highest reported offences during the second half of 2025 are:
- Number 74 - 62 offences
- Number 11A - 43 offences
- Number 6 - 42 offences
- Number 14 - 36 offences
- Number 97 - 35 offences
- Number 50 - 34 offences
- Number 9 - 32 offences
- Number 11C - 27 offences
- Number 72 - 26 offences
- Number X1 - 24 offences
Police and Transport Operator Responses
West Midlands Police emphasise that the overall risk of crime on board buses remains very low when considering the millions of daily journeys completed without incident. Police authorities confirm they have increased patrols around the transport network to enhance passenger safety.
A National Express West Midlands spokesperson provided context to the statistics: "Figures demonstrate that the chances of becoming a victim of crime on a bus are very low. With approximately four million passenger journeys made on our buses each week, this translates to just one crime for every 60,000 bus rides taken weekly."
The spokesperson continued: "Nevertheless, any incident that endangers our colleagues and passengers is unacceptable. We actively participate in the West Midlands Safer Travel Partnership and collaborate closely with policing teams, employing various strategies to combat crime and antisocial behaviour across the public transport network."
Safety Advice for Passengers
Transport authorities remind passengers to always dial 999 if they witness an urgent crime or emergency situation on public transport. For non-emergency incidents, the Safer Travel Partnership operates the See Something, Say Something service, allowing discreet reporting via text message.
Passengers can text SeeSay along with incident details including time, date, location, and route number to 81018 to report concerns without drawing attention to themselves. This service provides an additional layer of security for those who may feel uncomfortable reporting incidents publicly.
