Route 20 QE Hospital to Bromsgrove, increased passenger numbers

[Steve3229vp]

BIRMINGHAM LIVE - Saved historic bus route expands as passenger numbers grow

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/saved-historic-bus-route-expands-27341008?fbclid=IwAR0bnF4Z9sc3U10vsfqScklcGrtdwUdBqGEfRrP6CnbVYu3NQw-xHfChQbs

[Gareth]

It's always good to see passenger increases. But there's absolutely nothing historic about it. The historic part was scrapped.

[Sh4318]

That's really good to hear. The link to the QEH/Uni must be very useful, hopefully this kind of growth continues

[Westy]

Would they extend it back to Birmingham via the other Harborne routes?

[2206]

Would they extend it back to Birmingham via the other Harborne routes?

It doesn't go to Harborne. 

Probably more likely along the University corridor with the X21/X22 if that ever happened.

[Westy]

It doesn't go to Harborne. 

Probably more likely along the University corridor with the X21/X22 if that ever happened.

That's the one I was thinking of.

[cris 99]

It would need to be operated by another depot if that happened 

[Mike K]

Probably not likely anytime soon in my opinion. 

The X20 was withdrawn a couple of years back and replaced by the shortened 20 between QE and Cofton Hackett (this is now the 20A variant).

There have been a number of gradual decreases in frequency on the city - QE corridor since the X20/21/22 were first introduced so presumably the demand for more buses along this part of the route isn't there.

If the plan is to reintroduce a link between Birmingham city centre and Bromsgrove, that route can suffer significant traffic issues at peak times, particularly along Arthur Road and Edgbaston Park Road, impacting reliability. So it wouldn't be a quick or direct link.

[Straightlines]

Amusing to see the vehicle type magically got 15 years newer for a photo with David Bradford! 

[MasterPlan]

Probably not likely anytime soon in my opinion.

The X20 was withdrawn a couple of years back and replaced by the shortened 20 between QE and Cofton Hackett (this is now the 20A variant).

There have been a number of gradual decreases in frequency on the city - QE corridor since the X20/21/22 were first introduced so presumably the demand for more buses along this part of the route isn't there.

If the plan is to reintroduce a link between Birmingham city centre and Bromsgrove, that route can suffer significant traffic issues at peak times, particularly along Arthur Road and Edgbaston Park Road, impacting reliability. So it wouldn't be a quick or direct link.

I would say demand is there to be honest, but mainly during peak times. Certainly wouldn't warrant the X20 returning, maybe just more X21 and X22 in peak times.

If the 20 were to be extended to City Centre it would probably be down the Bristol Road. But I agree, not likely anytime soon.

[Stu]

BIRMINGHAM LIVE - Saved historic bus route expands as passenger numbers grow

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/saved-historic-bus-route-expands-27341008?fbclid=IwAR0bnF4Z9sc3U10vsfqScklcGrtdwUdBqGEfRrP6CnbVYu3NQw-xHfChQbs

The sceptic in me suggests passenger numbers have only grown by virtue of adding the passengers who previously used the 20 (compared to when it was just the 144A).

But if passenger numbers have genuinely increased, then that is some good news at last.

[j789]

Would they extend it back to Birmingham via the other Harborne routes?

Perhaps it could extend to Birmingham from the QE via the old 21 route through Harborne. Would provide further useful links as the 21 is certainly a much missed service.

[Straightlines]

Perhaps it could extend to Birmingham from the QE via the old 21 route through Harborne. Would provide further useful links as the 21 is certainly a much missed service.

Not sure how this would replace any of the 'much missed' 21 or provide any further useful links!

[j789]

Not sure how this would replace any of the 'much missed' 21 or provide any further useful links!

From QE run via Harborne Lane up to Fiveways then into town. There is no direct bus now along Harborne Lane to the QE/Selly Oak/Longbridge - plenty of useful links there.

[Straightlines]

From QE run via Harborne Lane up to Fiveways then into town. There is no direct bus now along Harborne Lane to the QE/Selly Oak/Longbridge - plenty of useful links there.

Can't see this bringing a six figure turnover increase to the 20 that it would need to sustain extra PVR!