https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/miscellaneous/service-changes-from-1st-novemeber-2020
Not good advice from NX to catch 55 and then X70 as several roads to cross which don't have proper crossing facilities/traffic lights around the Huters Moon area to get from that service to the X70. As well as the fact that they stop some distance away from each other.
"Students can use services 55 and 94 as far as Hunters Moon then service X70 to Park Hall Academy."
https://nxbus.co.uk/files/NX-West-Midlands/2020-Files/Current-timetables/1st-Nov-2020/BC/B94S%2001%20November2020.pdf
Interesting to see the 48 extend to Weoley Castle.
Quote from: 2206 on October 23, 2020, 07:05:01 PM
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/miscellaneous/service-changes-from-1st-novemeber-2020
Not good advice from NX to catch 55 and then X70 as several roads to cross which don't have proper crossing facilities/traffic lights around the Huters Moon area to get from that service to the X70. As well as the fact that they stop some distance away from each other.
"Students can use services 55 and 94 as far as Hunters Moon then service X70 to Park Hall Academy."
https://nxbus.co.uk/files/NX-West-Midlands/2020-Files/Current-timetables/1st-Nov-2020/BC/B94S%2001%20November2020.pdf
That's actually quite a good point.
Why hasn't any additional stops been added to Stechford Road since the 55 started using it? There should at least be one there at the Hunters' Moon end of the road, to partially address the concern
@2206 has mentioned above.
The more probable answer to the issue as well is for the students to stay on the bus until Green Lane, then get off and walk like they used to up to Park Hall.
Quote from: 2206 on October 23, 2020, 07:05:01 PM
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/miscellaneous/service-changes-from-1st-novemeber-2020
Not good advice from NX to catch 55 and then X70 as several roads to cross which don't have proper crossing facilities/traffic lights around the Huters Moon area to get from that service to the X70. As well as the fact that they stop some distance away from each other.
"Students can use services 55 and 94 as far as Hunters Moon then service X70 to Park Hall Academy."
https://nxbus.co.uk/files/NX-West-Midlands/2020-Files/Current-timetables/1st-Nov-2020/BC/B94S%2001%20November2020.pdf
I've also noticed that the 48 will now follow the 35 route around Hawkesley.
So the 35 isn't changing it's route. I thought the 48 and 35 were swapping routes in Hawksley.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on October 23, 2020, 08:16:08 PM
So the 35 isn't changing it's route. I thought the 48 and 35 were swapping routes in Hawksley.
By the looks at it for the moment, it seems like they aren't but only 1 bus stop won't be served anymore. (Correct me if I'm wrong)
It's a bit depressing to read 'times altered to improve reliability', which means extended journey times due to traffic congestion, which seems worse than ever now. People are told to avoid public transport so are using cars.
Really? From what I've seen lately, the traffic hasn't been near the levels it was pre-lockdown, and I've got to go through the madness that is Selly Oak.
But I guess every area is different.
Still no sign of the proposed 5/6/6A, is it shelved or scrapped ?
Quote from: Steve3229vp on October 24, 2020, 12:51:07 PM
Still no sign of the proposed 5/6/6A, is it shelved or scrapped ?
That's what I was going to ask lol.
Expect these will be changing again soon with new lockdown then.
Could be potential reduced passenger numbers, other than at school start/finish times.
Evening services should be reduced or withdrawn.
Quote from: PB2938 on October 31, 2020, 09:21:33 PM
Evening services should be reduced or withdrawn.
Did they see much use in the previous lockdown?
Just wandering as think that would give an idication into whether they are required?
Quote from: 2206 on October 31, 2020, 09:24:26 PM
Did they see much use in the previous lockdown?
Just wandering as think that would give an idication into whether they are required?
If it's like last time, then early and late buses will continue to operate, the daytimes would be reduced, some considerably but this time they will need more buses at school times as the schools will be open whereas last time they were closed.
Quote from: 2206 on October 31, 2020, 07:13:15 PM
Expect these will be changing again soon with new lockdown then.
Could be potential reduced passenger numbers, other than at school start/finish times.
it will be chaos seeing school kids fighting over buses and not letting some go in due to lockdown
Quote from: bbs on October 31, 2020, 10:02:54 PM
it will be chaos seeing school kids fighting over buses and not letting some go in due to lockdown
Or if the drivers just don't let the buses fill up and make sure they don't keep stopping to let people on when they are full.
Quote from: bbs on October 31, 2020, 10:02:54 PM
it will be chaos seeing school kids fighting over buses and not letting some go in due to lockdown
Wouldn't have thought this will happen. Would think NX will make sure that there are enough buses on the road around school start/finish times to cope with demand.
And as said above drivers can always put up bus full and drive past past the stops, unloading some way before/past the stops if needed.
Also would expect they will put as many double deckers on the road as possible. Including possibly on single decker routes if they have the capacity to.
Quote from: 2206 on October 31, 2020, 10:06:10 PM
Wouldn't have thought this will happen. Would think NX will make sure that there are enough buses on the road around school start/finish times to cope with demand.
Also would expect they will put as many double deckers on the road, where possible. Including possibly on single decker routes if they have the capacity to.
Well if less buses are used during the day then there should be enough for the schools when they come out.
Quote from: PB2938 on October 31, 2020, 09:21:33 PM
Evening services should be reduced or withdrawn.
Erm, what about the key workers on shifts? (On behalf of his sister, who has to do regular night shifts!)
Quote from: bbs on October 31, 2020, 10:02:54 PM
it will be chaos seeing school kids fighting over buses and not letting some go in due to lockdown
Why would lockdown have any effect on this? It should be business as usual, at least as far as school kids are concerned. They've been used to new restrictions on public transport since September, so have had plenty of time to adjust.
Buses shouldn't be running as late as they are now last buses should be around 1030pm not 12 midnight or 0100am departures.
Quote from: PB2938 on November 01, 2020, 05:19:20 AM
Buses shouldn't be running as late as they are now last buses should be around 1030pm not 12 midnight or 0100am departures.
what about essential workers that work afternoons & finish at 10
Quote from: PB2938 on November 01, 2020, 05:19:20 AM
Buses shouldn't be running as late as they are now last buses should be around 1030pm not 12 midnight or 0100am departures.
What about NHS, care workers and other people who have to go to work late at night or going home ?
In the last lockdown early morning and late evening buses remained in place, it should be the same this time around.
Quote from: PB2938 on November 01, 2020, 05:19:20 AM
Buses shouldn't be running as late as they are now last buses should be around 1030pm not 12 midnight or 0100am departures.
So COVID can't be transmitted after 22:30 now? Good to know.
Quote from: Abluhwleh on November 01, 2020, 12:33:15 PM
So COVID can't be transmitted after 22:30 now? Good to know.
I think there on about how before in lockdown the evening jouneys stayed the same but the daytime was reduced
Quote from: bbs on October 31, 2020, 10:02:54 PM
it will be chaos seeing school kids fighting over buses and not letting some go in due to lockdown
NX really should be implementing more school services not available to the public like the 822. It's always rammed to the teeth because it can be ran at 100% capacity - and it's meant that students aren't having to crowd services like the X22/23 into Birmingham at the end of the day, which can already be hideous at peak times. Perhaps they could trial with a few more routes like this, which can be tailored to the needs of students.
Quote from: ayyHugo on November 01, 2020, 12:54:49 PM
NX really should be implementing more school services not available to the public like the 822. It's always rammed to the teeth because it can be ran at 100% capacity - and it's meant that students aren't having to crowd services like the X22/23 into Birmingham at the end of the day, which can already be hideous at peak times. Perhaps they could trial with a few more routes like this, which can be tailored to the needs of students.
You mean like the 100 or so they are running, including using coaches form many other NX subsiduaries (Clarkes, Lucketts, Solent, Kings Ferry etc)?
Quote from: Tony on November 01, 2020, 01:26:05 PM
You mean like the 100 or so they are running, including using coaches form many other NX subsiduaries (Clarkes, Lucketts, Solent, Kings Ferry etc)?
Yeah
Quote from: Westy on October 31, 2020, 10:37:58 PM
Erm, what about the key workers on shifts? (On behalf of his sister, who has to do regular night shifts!)
My simple point is bars restaurants are shut a bus running as late as 1am should come in earlier. Majority of shops supermarkets close at 10pm
Quote from: PB2938 on November 01, 2020, 05:19:20 AM
Buses shouldn't be running as late as they are now last buses should be around 1030pm not 12 midnight or 0100am departures.
Stupid idea. How will staff working late get home?
Quote from: markcf83 on November 01, 2020, 02:22:11 PM
Stupid idea. How will staff working late get home?
On last journey on 87 to Oldbury (in garage at 1:52am) I see almost the same people every time, every time I do that duty numbering about 10 people from city and always have the same 2 persons get off at Oldbury from Smethwick High St. This was the same during the first lockdown. Cutting night services will have a bad impact on those hard working peoples lives.
Not a route change exactly, but I've noticed that the platinums now have announcement reminders to wear face coverings which is pretty good.
Is that at every stop that announcement?
Quote from: Jack D on November 01, 2020, 05:25:48 PM
Is that at every stop that announcement?
Nope, every now and then. I don't know if they're timed for certain points or every 20 mins or whatever, but maybe someone else can answer that.
Quote from: PB2938 on November 01, 2020, 02:09:56 PM
My simple point is bars restaurants are shut a bus running as late as 1am should come in earlier. Majority of shops supermarkets close at 10pm
Shops and supermarkets do, hospitals don't.
Quote from: Pat on November 01, 2020, 05:33:22 PM
Shops and supermarkets do, hospitals don't.
Don't forget night workers, distribution centres, police etc.
End of the day buses are used all day from the morning people, day time people and night people. We are a city and not the rural areas of the UK where services can stop earlier.
Quote from: MasterPlan on November 01, 2020, 05:28:11 PM
Nope, every now and then. I don't know if they're timed for certain points or every 20 mins or whatever, but maybe someone else can answer that.
For 87 I heard it 4 - 5 times from Dudley to City.
Quote from: aSingh on November 01, 2020, 06:44:35 PM
For 87 I heard it 4 - 5 times from Dudley to City.
I heard it twice each way on the X21.
Following yesterdays lockdown announcement, it still doesn't seem very clear what is classed as an 'essential' or 'non-essential' business.
While restaurants, pubs & cafes (that don't offer delivery or takeaway) as well as leisure facilities are expected to be closed, the announcement does state that unless employees cannot work from home, "essential" businesses should remain open and there are no restrictions on employees commuting to work. And schools, colleges and universities will remain open.
So at this stage, I don't anticipate any major changes to bus scheduling to take place, unless bus operators react to lower passenger numbers outside of peak hours by reducing frequencies slightly.
Quote from: Stu on November 01, 2020, 07:41:57 PM
it still doesn't seem very clear what is classed as an 'essential' or 'non-essential' business.
So at this stage, I don't anticipate any major changes to bus scheduling to take place, unless bus operators react to lower passenger numbers outside of peak hours by reducing frequencies slightly.
There was a massive reduction in usage and services during the last lockdown.
And I would have expected the same this time. I would expect essential businesses would be similar to those that remained open last time?
I would have expected big cuts outside of times when school kids are travelling and cuts at weekend daytimes.
I found this list from last time:
Supermarkets and other food shops
Health shops
Pharmacies, including non-dispensing pharmacies, and medical services (such as dental surgeries, opticians and audiology clinics)
Newsagents, corner shops and off-licenses
Petrol stations
Veterinary surgeries and pet shops
Bicycle shops
Home and hardware shops
Banks and building societies
Pet shops
Storage and distribution facilities
Market stalls which offer essential retail, such as grocery and food
Petrol stations
Laundrettes and dry cleaners
Car garages and repair shops
Car rental services
Quote from: Stu on November 01, 2020, 07:41:57 PM
Following yesterdays lockdown announcement, it still doesn't seem very clear what is classed as an 'essential' or 'non-essential' business.
While restaurants, pubs & cafes (that don't offer delivery or takeaway) as well as leisure facilities are expected to be closed, the announcement does state that unless employees cannot work from home, "essential" businesses should remain open and there are no restrictions on employees commuting to work. And schools, colleges and universities will remain open.
So at this stage, I don't anticipate any major changes to bus scheduling to take place, unless bus operators react to lower passenger numbers outside of peak hours by reducing frequencies slightly.
I agree. Personally outside of peak times I think they might go back to the timetables that were introduced on the 4th July. e.g. A service that runs every 10 mins now will run every 12 or 15 mins during the day
Quote from: 2206 on November 01, 2020, 07:44:30 PM
There was a massive reduction in usage and services during the last lockdown.
And I would have expected the same this time. I would expect essential businesses would be similar to those that remained open last time?
I would have expected big cuts outside of times when school kids are travelling and cuts at weekend daytimes.
I found this list from last time:
Supermarkets and other food shops
Health shops
Pharmacies, including non-dispensing pharmacies, and medical services (such as dental surgeries, opticians and audiology clinics)
Newsagents, corner shops and off-licenses
Petrol stations
Veterinary surgeries and pet shops
Bicycle shops
Home and hardware shops
Banks and building societies
Pet shops
Storage and distribution facilities
Market stalls which offer essential retail, such as grocery and food
Petrol stations
Laundrettes and dry cleaners
Car garages and repair shops
Car rental services
Thanks for the list, but what I'm saying is that the current lockdown restrictions (coming into force from 5th November) are not as restrictive as those from earlier this year.
There are people that will still need to travel by bus to get to and from work.
Quote from: bususer28 on November 01, 2020, 08:19:55 PM
I agree. Personally outside of peak times I think they might go back to the timetables that were introduced on the 4th July. e.g. A service that runs every 10 mins now will run every 12 or 15 mins during the day
I think it will be up to the discretion of the bus operators again. If passenger numbers fall drastically, then timetables will get adjusted.
IIRC, before the national lockdown (including closure of schools), there was a reduced timetable in place.
Not quite "every route is every 30 minutes or less", but a reduction from the usual levels of service, I wonder whether that level of service will be put into place
Quote from: Stu on November 01, 2020, 08:29:11 PM
Thanks for the list, but what I'm saying is that the current lockdown restrictions (coming into force from 5th November) are not as restrictive as those from earlier this year.
There are people that will still need to travel by bus to get to and from work.
I think it will be up to the discretion of the bus operators again. If passenger numbers fall drastically, then timetables will get adjusted.
Bearing in mind this current lockdown is only expected to be 3 full weeks plus 2 half weeks either end and is not lockdown to the same extent as last time, school / colleges/ Uni especially. Operators need time to plan timetable adjustments, scheduling etc I can't see it being worth it. If I am correct operators are still being paid £1 per mile per journey which wasn't the case at start of March lockdown
Quote from: fleetline6477 on November 02, 2020, 05:13:41 PM
Bearing in mind this current lockdown is only expected to be 3 full weeks plus 2 half weeks either end and is not lockdown to the same extent as last time, school / colleges/ Uni especially. Operators need time to plan timetable adjustments, scheduling etc I can't see it being worth it. If I am correct operators are still being paid £1 per mile per journey which wasn't the case at start of March lockdown
From what @nxwestmidlands posted earlier on Twitter, services will run as normal:
https://twitter.com/nxwestmidlands/status/1323297073245134848?s=21
Looks like from tomorrow, Wolverhampton Street in Walsall reopens to traffic both ways, so the 41, 529 & X529 will change back !