I was a little bored and intrigued so I thought I would start a new thread I want peoples opinions on old routes I will start so mine (and I have quite a few in my head), would be the old Arriva 825 Lichfield to Stafford via Rugeley and I'm talking about the original way it used to go before it later got changed and re-routed so that is my first one.
Then my second amongst many others would probably have to be the old 53 West Bromwich to Merry Hill via here, there and everywhere (literally) which I'm pretty sure was very nearly 2 hours (someone quote me if I'm incorrect), I can't exactly remember the route it took but what I can remember is that it took absolutely forever to get to Merry Hill.
And my final one for now would have to be the 208 Dudley to Merry Hill another route that used to take forever to get from one end to the other I think I still remember the route although I am very sketchy on it these days.
So there's my few what were your favourite old routes that you wish could come back either in full or even partially?
X20 Stratford - all the way to birmingham again. Would help me in so many days and i would probably ride the bus to work. Now it goes only to solihull though and i would have to change buses.
PS: also make johnsons excelbus run it again.
Quote from: MX05WHR-Enjoyer on October 09, 2023, 04:21:12 PMX20 Stratford - all the way to birmingham again. Would help me in so many days and i would probably ride the bus to work. Now it goes only to solihull though and i would have to change buses.
PS: also make johnsons excelbus run it again.
ahh yes that's a good one
It's probably not financially viable these days and I'm not sure how it would cope with some of the parking on roads served, but the 26 City to Bromford Bridge was a handy little route back in the day.
966 Wolverhampton to Birmingham Airport. I would make it fully limited stop as it was originally and perhaps extend it to Solihull replacing the X12 which could be extended to Coventry alongside the X1 instead. However given the traffic issues would timekeeping and reliability suffer?
Quote from: Rachvince53 on October 09, 2023, 06:36:00 PM966 Wolverhampton to Birmingham Airport. I would make it fully limited stop as it was originally and perhaps extend it to Solihull replacing the X12 which could be extended to Coventry alongside the X1 instead. However given the traffic issues would timekeeping and reliability suffer?
Never fully limited stop, It was always all stops between Walsall & Mere Green
Quote from: Tony on October 09, 2023, 06:48:18 PMNever fully limited stop, It was always all stops between Walsall & Mere Green
What would yours be
@Tony? You can choose any route you like, another one I would like to bring back is the Wolverhampton X7 I miss that route
Quote from: hlliwmai on October 09, 2023, 09:57:31 PMWhat would yours be @Tony? You can choose any route you like, another one I would like to bring back is the Wolverhampton X7 I miss that route
I'm happy for this thread to continue, but almost every suggested route would be complete unviable. Any suggestions I do have go to our commercial team, not on here
The 46 (West Brom to Scott Arms) shouldn't have gone to start with, was always carrying people and now Great Barr and Hamstead have to deal with the mess that is the 16/16A. The 46 was very good at keeping to time as well, loads of frustrated people here are still not happy with the new service.
I'd love for the old 54 (Birmingham to Kingshurst) to come back purely as a nostalgia for me as I caught it a lot and always enjoyed the terminus as a very nice place to wait for a bus as a child. Also to have the 55 be the 55 as it always has been, not the '95'. Also note Washwood Heath Road used to have more than 2 services struggling along it and it flowed a lot easier with there being more services.
Quote from: Jack on October 09, 2023, 11:11:28 PMI'd love for the old 54 (Birmingham to Kingshurst) to come back purely as a nostalgia for me as I caught it a lot and always enjoyed the terminus as a very nice place to wait for a bus as a child. Also to have the 55 be the 55 as it always has been, not the '95'. Also note Washwood Heath Road used to have more than 2 services struggling along it and it flowed a lot easier with there being more services.
I find the 94/95 to be fairly frequent and reliable using it most days. Normally bad traffic and roadworks that cause delays. I found both the 19:15 and 19:22 (which I use regularly) arrived in the City on time today.
Don't think it needs "more services" along there though.
The 54 was replaced by an increased frequency on the main 55 service many years ago now. And i'm sure the main 55 service was altered to incorporate parts of the 54 Yorks Wood. With the rest covered by what is now the A9.
Quote from: Tony on October 09, 2023, 10:15:05 PMI'm happy for this thread to continue, but almost every suggested route would be complete unviable. Any suggestions I do have go to our commercial team, not on here
What was the reason for the cancellation of the X7 a few years ago, as everytime I used to travel on it, there was always fairly good loadings on it
Quote from: hlliwmai on October 09, 2023, 11:31:34 PMWhat was the reason for the cancellation of the X7 a few years ago, as everytime I used to travel on it, there was always fairly good loadings on it
No it wasn't, it was near enough empty between Birmingham and Dudley. Poor publicity was the reason in my opinion which was a shame it could have worked.
I know it's unviable but I would love to see the 68A/C North Birmingham circular come back
I would like the X4 to return to Minworth.
The 3/3A serving Acocks Green was very weird, but I'd love to see it back (viable or not lol).
Quote from: Ronnoc on October 10, 2023, 07:40:51 AMThe 3/3A serving Acocks Green was very weird, but I'd love to see it back (viable or not lol).
Forgot about that one, but I agree the 3 should be extended back to either AG or at least Shirley Town Centre, since it's been shortened it does feel more of a pointless route.
Quote from: Jack on October 10, 2023, 09:28:36 AMForgot about that one, but I agree the 3 should be extended back to either AG or at least Shirley Town Centre, since it's been shortened it does feel more of a pointless route.
How can it be a pointless route ?
It was running the same route when it was a 12 in 1990 and a similar route to the original 13.
Quote from: Steve3229vp on October 10, 2023, 11:01:59 AMHow can it be a pointless route ?
It was running the same route when it was a 12 in 1990 and a similar route to the original 13.
It basically goes nowhere, there's no link... least when it went to Shirley, Solihull and even Acocks Green it was giving that part of Yardley Wood a link to a shopping area that isn't Birmingham. I think most users around that side would actually like a direct link to somewhere instead of the middle of a dual carriageway.
Quote from: Jack on October 10, 2023, 12:40:44 PMIt basically goes nowhere, there's no link... least when it went to Shirley, Solihull and even Acocks Green it was giving that part of Yardley Wood a link to a shopping area that isn't Birmingham. I think most users around that side would actually like a direct link to somewhere instead of the middle of a dual carriageway.
So Yardley Wood is 'nowhere', does that apply to all Birmingham Suburbs?
Quote from: Tony on October 10, 2023, 12:43:40 PMSo Yardley Wood is 'nowhere', does that apply to all Birmingham Suburbs?
Stops in a random part of a road which the services only links to Birmingham and the Outer Circle. Half arsed since they cut it back, funnily enough there always people on it when it went to Solihull and to Acocks Green. Bit like the WB 46 'let's just give up after how many years carrying a decent patronage'.
I do think that it should be at least bought back to the Shirley station area, of course with improvements to Shirley station if needed.
Quote from: Ronnoc on October 10, 2023, 12:49:41 PMI do think that it should be at least bought back to the Shirley station area, of course with improvements to Shirley station if needed.
I've always thought it should at least go to Shirley town centre, well as far as the Sainsburys and turn back round. Gives that part of YW a bus to Shiriey again.
Quote from: Jack on October 10, 2023, 12:48:17 PMStops in a random part of a road which the services only links to Birmingham and the Outer Circle. Half arsed since they cut it back, funnily enough there always people on it when it went to Solihull and to Acocks Green. Bit like the WB 46 'let's just give up after how many years carrying a decent patronage'.
That was always the traditional terminus dating back many years to Birmingham corporation and no real difference to the Perry Beeches terminus of the 52. It was the extension that was pointless, hence it being put back to the traditional terminus
Just in the past 15 years the terminus has been changed a lot. I think Shirley town centre is too busy to accomodate a terminus, I believe it was a bit problematic back when the 3 used to terminate at Shirley Green.
I find it strange that the 3 is described as a 'pointless' route. It's existed more or less in its current form for c70 years. It's no different in that respect to many routes from Birmingham city centre that cross the outer circle and finish in residential areas towards the outskirts of the city.
Quote from: Mike K on October 10, 2023, 03:35:14 PMI find it strange that the 3 is described as a 'pointless' route. It's existed more or less in its current form for c70 years. It's no different in that respect to many routes from Birmingham city centre that cross the outer circle and finish in residential areas towards the outskirts of the city.
Like the route that has changed the least since BCT days, only changes being due to city centre road closures which is the 60, is that pointless?
962 would be a cool route the one that went Chelmsley Wood
Quote from: Tony on October 09, 2023, 06:48:18 PMNever fully limited stop, It was always all stops between Walsall & Mere Green
No it was originally non-stop between Walsall and Aldridge (it stopped outside the Arboretum but otherwise was non-stop after the Ring Road). It became all stops to Aldridge only after the revision of local buses to Aldridge. I should know, I used it almost every Saturday.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on October 10, 2023, 05:41:09 PMNo it was originally non-stop between Walsall and Aldridge (it stopped outside the Arboretum but otherwise was non-stop after the Ring Road). It became all stops to Aldridge only after the revision of local buses to Aldridge. I should know, I used it almost every Saturday.
Still never fully limited stop
Quote from: Jack on October 10, 2023, 12:40:44 PMIt basically goes nowhere, there's no link... least when it went to Shirley, Solihull and even Acocks Green it was giving that part of Yardley Wood a link to a shopping area that isn't Birmingham. I think most users around that side would actually like a direct link to somewhere instead of the middle of a dual carriageway.
I think the numerous people who live in that eastern part of Yardley Wood would beg to differ. :rolleyes:
People can't always get direct links to where they want to go, however the 3 does connect with the 76 and 169 at Trittiford Road, which do provide onward connections to Kings Heath, Shirley and Solihull.
Quote from: Stu on October 10, 2023, 07:32:06 PMI think the numerous people who live in that eastern part of Yardley Wood would beg to differ. :rolleyes:
People can't always get direct links to where they want to go, however the 3 does connect with the 76 and 169 at Trittiford Road, which do provide onward connections to Kings Heath, Shirley and Solihull.
I agree. Also, the 3
does provide a link - it's to Birmingham city centre!
The route up to the current terminus at the city boundary is good bus territory. The section beyond was always very quiet, so I can't blame NXWM for cutting it back.
Quote from: Tony on October 09, 2023, 06:48:18 PMNever fully limited stop, It was always all stops between Walsall & Mere Green
I used to catch this to school in Aldridge and circa 1987, I'm sure it was partial limited stop thus:
Wolverhampton Bus Station, Willenhall (The Dale), Walsall (College bus lay-by), Mellish Road Island, Tynings Lane, Aldridge (Elms Hotel), then all stops to Mere Green via Little Aston, then the various other limited stop sections after that.
The 'Midland Red' 144 to go back to running through to Birmingham - although I doubt it would happen. :undecided:
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on October 11, 2023, 01:17:21 PMThe 'Midland Red' 144 to go back to running through to Birmingham - although I doubt it would happen. :undecided:
Not viable anymore
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on October 11, 2023, 01:17:21 PMThe 'Midland Red' 144 to go back to running through to Birmingham - although I doubt it would happen. :undecided:
Quote from: Steve3229vp on October 11, 2023, 01:38:45 PMNot viable anymore
I think the enhanced train service, changes in travel patterns and the previous operators allergy to picking up passengers within the TfWM area has led to the demand and requirements for an end to end service to diminish.
The new 20 service seems a sensible balance between maintaining the link and providing onward connections.
X50 to Oxford would be mad
Quote from: spacecowboy150 on October 11, 2023, 04:48:12 PMX50 to Oxford would be mad
oh Diamond was operating the X50 to Chipping Norton via Stratford last summer from Birmingham as I recall that didn't last but there again it was one of the routes Johnson's had
For me, it would always be the 444, just for ease of use, around the corner from my house, direct to Bearwood or West Bromwich on - usually - nightly loaded ALX200s or B6LEs
Quote from: Sh4318 on October 11, 2023, 05:20:37 PMFor me, it would always be the 444, just for ease of use, around the corner from my house, direct to Bearwood or West Bromwich on - usually - nightly loaded ALX200s or B6LEs
I think a quite a lot of people miss the 450 too, 447 as well.
I miss the 121, was a nice service with an ALX200, pleasant route compared to the 74 and a nice alternative.
I'd bring back the 10 (City to Quinton) route back full time. I know the route still clings on in the peaks but it's a shadow of its former self.
It was such a useful route and so much quicker to town than going on the 103 via Harborne High Street when it ran at a 20-30 min frequency.
I'd also bring back the old Midland Red motorway express routes to Birmingham from places like Worcester, Shrewsbury, Nottingham, etc. It's a shame the driver regulations killed those routes off as they would need tachos these days.
The 19 hasbury to Birmingham express. Or the 192 into Birmingham
Quote from: j789 on October 11, 2023, 06:16:59 PMI'd bring back the 10 (City to Quinton) route back full time. I know the route still clings on in the peaks but it's a shadow of its former self.
It was such a useful route and so much quicker to town than going on the 103 via Harborne High Street when it ran at a 20-30 min frequency.
I'd also bring back the old Midland Red motorway express routes to Birmingham from places like Worcester, Shrewsbury, Nottingham, etc. It's a shame the driver regulations killed those routes off as they would need tachos these days.
I also have fond memories of the 10, although I didn't use it that much myself. Unfortunately patronage at the Quinton Road West / West Boulevard end helped subsidise the lighter usage through the affluent areas of Harborne and Edgbaston, and when the 103 was extended to cover this end of the route, the 10 became less necessary and ultimately unviable as an all day service.
I've thought long and hard about this, and to be honest I can't think of any old route that I'd like to see brought back that would actually be any use to me.
Quote from: Wumpty on October 11, 2023, 07:43:28 AMI used to catch this to school in Aldridge and circa 1987, I'm sure it was partial limited stop thus:
Wolverhampton Bus Station, Willenhall (The Dale), Walsall (College bus lay-by), Mellish Road Island, Tynings Lane, Aldridge (Elms Hotel), then all stops to Mere Green via Little Aston, then the various other limited stop sections after that.
That's how it was originally. It replaced the 366 between Mere Green and Aldridge (which had also served Walsall as the 6 does now) hence that was all stops. However the rest was mostly covered by other services at the time so ran limited stop over most of those sections. After Mere Green, it stopped at Four Oaks Station and Tamworth Road (for Sutton Park) and the High Street I think before serving Sutton itself. I know it served Erdington but I'm trying to think where it went from there.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on October 11, 2023, 08:13:57 PMThat's how it was originally. It replaced the 366 between Mere Green and Aldridge (which had also served Walsall as the 6 does now) hence that was all stops. However the rest was mostly covered by other services at the time so ran limited stop over most of those sections. After Mere Green, it stopped at Four Oaks Station and Tamworth Road (for Sutton Park) and the High Street I think before serving Sutton itself. I know it served Erdington but I'm trying to think where it went from there.
From Erdington it went 'Limited Stop' via Wood End Road, Kingsbury Road, Chester Road, Collector Road, Chelmsley Wood and then to Airport
Quote from: Rachvince53 on October 11, 2023, 08:13:57 PMThat's how it was originally. It replaced the 366 between Mere Green and Aldridge (which had also served Walsall as the 6 does now) hence that was all stops. However the rest was mostly covered by other services at the time so ran limited stop over most of those sections. After Mere Green, it stopped at Four Oaks Station and Tamworth Road (for Sutton Park) and the High Street I think before serving Sutton itself. I know it served Erdington but I'm trying to think where it went from there.
It stopped at Sutton Coldfield, Wylde Green/Yenton, Erdington Six Ways,
Kingsbury Road, Chester Road, Collector Road, Chelmsley Wood Pine Square, Bickenhill Lane, International Station.
29, but only as far as Northfield.
Quote from: Mike K on October 11, 2023, 07:14:24 PMI also have fond memories of the 10, although I didn't use it that much myself. Unfortunately patronage at the Quinton Road West / West Boulevard end helped subsidise the lighter usage through the affluent areas of Harborne and Edgbaston, and when the 103 was extended to cover this end of the route, the 10 became less necessary and ultimately unviable as an all day service.
I have to say I agree about the 10.
If I ever need to get into the city centre during peaks, I always choose the 10 over the 24. Same for returning back home.
To be honest, even more recently when nxwm ran the 10, I was surprised that more people didn't use it.
Quote from: j789 on October 11, 2023, 06:16:59 PMI'd also bring back the old Midland Red motorway express routes to Birmingham from places like Worcester, Shrewsbury, Nottingham, etc. It's a shame the driver regulations killed those routes off as they would need tachos these days.
More likely it was the introduction of ENCTS that contributed towards the demise of those types of routes
Quote from: metrocity on October 12, 2023, 12:18:38 PMMore likely it was the introduction of ENCTS that contributed towards the demise of those types of routes
Most died before then even, it was the big improvements in rail journeys compared to the peak congestion on roads that killed most.
I remember catching the X99 to Nottingham a couple of times on a Midland Red 'day anywhere ticket' and went for a week's holiday as a child to Butlins at Skegness on it, changing at Nottingham onto the Trent service that went through, amused by the place name of Ashby de la Zouch, but it was well before ENCTS it finished.
I think I must have travelled on almost all of the 'X - services' from Birmingham but I cannot recall ever having a trip on the X44. :cry:
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on October 12, 2023, 01:46:24 PMI think I must have travelled on almost all of the 'X - services' from Birmingham but I cannot recall ever having a trip on the X44. :cry:
That was the best one using CM6 motorway coaches!
96
Quote from: Steve3229vp on October 11, 2023, 08:56:56 PMFrom Erdington it went 'Limited Stop' via Wood End Road, Kingsbury Road, Chester Road, Collector Road, Chelmsley Wood and then to Airport
Wasn't that the 966?
Quote from: Tony on October 12, 2023, 02:34:42 PMThat was the best one using CM6 motorway coaches!
Yes , big regrets that I never went for it. Some of the "dp" vehicles used on some of the other 'X' services were rather basic by comparison.
Quote from: Steve3229vp on October 12, 2023, 04:40:27 PMYes
I thought it was-and I remember,rather vaguely,it went from Wolverhampton to Birmingham Airport via seemingly half of the West Midlands.
Route 98 from Sheldon, the Wheatsheaf to Hay Mills Asda via every back road it could find in East Birmingham.
Always enjoyed sat on the back of one of Lynx's doing these journeys as a kid.
Quote from: sonic84 on 12/10/2023, 09:10:16I have to say I agree about the 10.If I ever need to get into the city centre during peaks, I always choose the 10 over the 24. Same for returning back home.To be honest, even more recently when nxwm ran the 10, I was surprised that more people didn't use it.
Every time I drove past, the bus towards the city was half full and that was on the Quinton Road West.
I kind of wished the NX kept just the 10 route but when there were strike days changed the mind.
Quote from: Sayeed on October 14, 2023, 04:36:18 PMEvery time I drove past, the bus towards the city was half full and that was on the Quinton Road West.
It did use the smallest vehicles in the fleet as well 7XX. Which would probably fill up quicker than a 49XX or Omnilink.
Quote from: 2206 on October 14, 2023, 05:00:27 PMIt did use the smallest vehicles in the fleet as well 7XX. Which would probably fill up quicker than a 49XX or Omnilink.
No, 800s were used and common on the 10.
Back in the 1980s the 10 was double-deck operated and for a time even ran as frequently as every 15 minutes during the day, half hourly at night. It switched to Lynx operation in 1990. It was well used in those days, and a long-standing route dating from BCT days.
If I could bring back any route back it would be the 54 Stafford-Penkridge-Wolverhampton changing the route a little so it goes into the Prison, there isn't a link anymore, I know for a fact people struggle to get to Rodbaston Collage & the prison especially when the trains are down
The 62 City - Rednal, for no other reason than it was my favourite route as a kid, and the bus to the Lickey Hills. That terminus, with the old tram tracks, opposite the pub and the amusement arcade, was also my favourite West Midlands bus terminus:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/walsall1955/4604717595
Quote from: Mike K on October 15, 2023, 12:06:16 PMThe 62 City - Rednal, for no other reason than it was my favourite route as a kid, and the bus to the Lickey Hills. That terminus, with the old tram tracks, opposite the pub and the amusement arcade, was also my favourite West Midlands bus terminus:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/walsall1955/4604717595
Used to live in Rubery in the 80's and would often walk up to the Lickey's from where we lived. Have been in the arcade there plus the Hare and Hounds too but like you my favourite part was the tram tracks at the back of the toilets as the building was at the time, walking on them trying not to injure myself :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:
For me it would be the 81Y between Birmingham and Oldbury via Cape Hill, Londonderry Langley Village and the 88 Birmingham to Blackheath/Dudley via the same route up to the Merryvale then causeway Green, Brandall and Blackheath, 81Y purely for nostalgia, as a kid it felt very different seinf the white blue and orange buses compared to the standard metros/Lynxes on the 120, however, since the 88 was cut there was no connection restored between causeway green Rd and the city meaning either a lengthy walk to the 126 or 120/128 (now the 12 and the 13) was also handy for getting to Blackheath from the top end and quicker than the 128. Obs this is just a "If you could" I'm sure there is a valid reason why both routes were axed.
Quote from: Sayeed on October 14, 2023, 05:09:37 PMNo, 800s were used and common on the 10.
Alx200 bodied Dennis Darts?
Quote from: Rachvince53 on October 15, 2023, 06:51:08 PMAlx200 bodied Dennis Darts?
It was the E200 LWBs at West Brom. It was interesting to see it at first because (I think) at the time it interworked with the 54/A. Then, it became a regular appearance.
😊 thanks
I would like 97e to go to airport again like last time
Quote from: Yasir6711 on October 16, 2023, 03:54:12 PMI would like 97e to go to airport again like last time
The 97A you mean...
For me bring the old service numbers back, it was logical to me any way,
0 to 199 to city, 200s Brierley hill services, 300s Walsall , 400s West Bromwich , 500s Wolverhampton think i have got that right , i forget what 600s were for, odds and sods maybe :smiley:
Quote from: 2900 on October 18, 2023, 02:28:13 PMFor me bring the old service numbers back, it was logical to me any way,
0 to 199 to city, 200s Brierley hill services, 300s Walsall , 400s West Bromwich , 500s Wolverhampton think i have got that right , i forget what 600s were for, odds and sods maybe :smiley:
A few years ago I would of agreed with you, but it started in Walsall will most of the 3xx services being renumbered which was at least 12 years ago now
Quote from: 2900 on October 18, 2023, 02:28:13 PMFor me bring the old service numbers back, it was logical to me any way,
0 to 199 to city, 200s Brierley hill services, 300s Walsall , 400s West Bromwich , 500s Wolverhampton think i have got that right , i forget what 600s were for, odds and sods maybe :smiley:
I think the 600s routes were mostly minibus operated services so all areas had some of those. 700/800s services were works or schools routes and 900s express routes. I agree the original numbering did make sense.
Of course before WMPTE, most services (except for Midland Red routes) were numbered similar to those now.
Incidentally 800 series were also used for Midland Red services in Staffordshire and Shropshire, indeed services 877/878 and 891 are a legendary of that time.
Quote from: 2900 on October 18, 2023, 02:28:13 PMFor me bring the old service numbers back, it was logical to me any way,
0 to 199 to city, 200s Brierley hill services, 300s Walsall , 400s West Bromwich , 500s Wolverhampton think i have got that right , i forget what 600s were for, odds and sods maybe :smiley:
Yes, it was a logical system. It was broadly based on Metropolitan districts:-
1-199 Birmingham and Solihull
200s Dudley
300s Walsall
400s Sandwell
500s Wolverhampton
600s North Division works services
700s North Division schools services
800-849 South Division works services
850-899 South Division schools services
900s Limited Stop services
This applied only to services operated by WMPTE, and it took several years to be fully implemented.
For information, WMPTE South Division covered Birmingham and Solihull, while the North Division covered the Black Country.
As only one main service (159) ran from the Birmingham and Black Country conurbation to the East Division, it was decided that Coventry would retain for the most part it's existing service number system.
The 360 in Coventry would be amazing
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on October 19, 2023, 12:21:07 PMThe 360 in Coventry would be amazing
Timekeeping was a problem which I think was in part while it didn't last very long.
Came in here to ask if anyone knew what route did the 68 A/C take. Something like ?...Sutton, Erdington, Kingstanding, Fort, Castle vale etc? circular services sound useful regardless would like to see something like that.
Quote from: Liam Pettit on October 19, 2023, 05:46:37 PMCame in here to ask if anyone knew what route did the 68 A/C take. Something like ?...Sutton, Erdington, Kingstanding, Fort, Castle vale etc? circular services sound useful regardless would like to see something like that.
96 route Spitfire Island to Finchley Road, WB 5 route to Sutton, 71 route to Spitfire Island.
Quote from: Jack on October 09, 2023, 11:11:28 PMThe 46 (West Brom to Scott Arms) shouldn't have gone to start with, was always carrying people and now Great Barr and Hamstead have to deal with the mess that is the 16/16A. The 46 was very good at keeping to time as well, loads of frustrated people here are still not happy with the new service.
I'd love for the old 54 (Birmingham to Kingshurst) to come back purely as a nostalgia for me as I caught it a lot and always enjoyed the terminus as a very nice place to wait for a bus as a child. Also to have the 55 be the 55 as it always has been, not the '95'. Also note Washwood Heath Road used to have more than 2 services struggling along it and it flowed a lot easier with there being more services.
I feel you very much with this, I miss the 46 so so much, and everyone who lives in Hamstead/Great Barr hate the seemingly uncoordinated mess that the NX16 and DIA16A is, it literally always carried people and was rarely empty, really shouldn't have gone in the first place and for NX/DIA to claim the new routes would fix everything is so out of taste when the entirety of Old Walsall Road are now bus-less unless they want to catch a 61 which is HOURLY and that if they want to go from West Bromwich to Scott Arms via Hamstead they HAVE to catch two busses.
Quote from: markcf83 on October 19, 2023, 03:06:00 PMThe ex Connex London ones.
Forgot about the ALX200s from Travel London, i recall WB did the refurbs they looked decent when completed , defo improvement on the ALX100s , amazing what one forgets, front axle felt detached not pleasant at all
Quote from: 2900 on October 20, 2023, 01:20:14 PMForgot about the ALX200s from Travel London, i recall WB did the refurbs they looked decent when completed , defo improvement on the ALX100s , amazing what one forgets, front axle felt detached not pleasant at all
London gifted the TWM fleet with ALX200 darts, Optare Solos and the short wheelbase Optare Excels too.
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on October 19, 2023, 12:21:07 PMThe 360 in Coventry would be amazing
Ahh yes which latterly became the 60 & 61 with Travel de Courcey
Quote from: 2900 on October 20, 2023, 01:20:14 PMForgot about the ALX200s from Travel London, i recall WB did the refurbs they looked decent when completed , defo improvement on the ALX100s , amazing what one forgets, front axle felt detached not pleasant at all
They were thrashed to death in South London on the 322.
The old 46 (both ends) Londonderry - Great Barr/Queslett as it provided a quick and direct link for passengers travelling to West Bromwich and Sandwell Hospital.
Quote from: Wumpty on October 20, 2023, 01:41:17 PMLondon gifted the TWM fleet with ALX200 darts, Optare Solos and the short wheelbase Optare Excels too.
I remember the short Excels as they were based at my local Wolverhampton garage. They were numbered 401- 430 (with gaps) I think. Wolverhampton also had the longer length examples as well which were new to WMT.
Quote from: frostjay974 on October 27, 2023, 07:48:09 PMThe old 46 (both ends) Londonderry - Great Barr/Queslett as it provided a quick and direct link for passengers travelling to West Bromwich and Sandwell Hospital.
When it went to Londonderry and Queslett/Pheasey that buggered the reliability. The traditional route was a very well used and handy link and considering it ran for decades and then they've decided to do what they did and is a joke really.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on October 27, 2023, 09:20:35 PMI remember the short Excels as they were based at my local Wolverhampton garage. They were numbered 401- 430 (with gaps) I think. Wolverhampton also had the longer length examples as well which were new to WMT.
They certainly did (684-718) - we launched these new Optare Excels at Beacon FM in a blaze of glory. Smart buses and quite a decent ride by all accounts.
Quote from: Wumpty on October 29, 2023, 03:19:37 PMThey certainly did (684-718) - we launched these new Optare Excels at Beacon FM in a blaze of glory. Smart buses and quite a decent ride by all accounts.
Yep. Choice had similar Excels too including max length ones I think. A few of the WMT ones received branding for the 261 service which ran between Wolverhampton and Dudley via Wombourne and Swindon. It combined the existing 261 with the I think 553 (Wolverhampton to Wombourne via Mount Road/Wakeley Hill). There was also a school service (261S) serving Ounsdale School in Wombourne.
The Excels were in my opinion great buses and were the first easy access buses at Wolverhampton I think.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on October 29, 2023, 04:33:49 PMYep. Choice had similar Excels too including max length ones I think. A few of the WMT ones received branding for the 261 service which ran between Wolverhampton and Dudley via Wombourne and Swindon. It combined the existing 261 with the I think 553 (Wolverhampton to Wombourne via Mount Road/Wakeley Hill). There was also a school service (261S) serving Ounsdale School in Wombourne.
The Excels were in my opinion great buses and were the first easy access buses at Wolverhampton I think.
The Choice Excels were full length models and bought for the Superline partnership in Walsall for the Mossley corridor.
They looked very Leyland National-esque with their imitation rear roof pod. Very stylish!
if it were possible i would bring back the old 187 Birmingham - Dorridge (my old home town) as there are now NO NXWM buses beyond Solihull i havent visited the old place in several years, im too young to remember the 187 very well, but i believe it went via Bentley Heath & back via Knowle, also down through Knowle & back through Bentley Heath.
it would be good to have the 11a / 11c reinstated all the way round
650 i think it was used to run (c/o Pattersons) past my door one summer, hail & ride it was worth it on our section living on hills, sadly residents complained, cant see why and it disapeared in a puff of blue smoke.
Tame Valley was route learning down our road the following summer but one national broke down on the corner of Rotton Park Rd, leaving quite a stream of oil behind, that was the end of that, apaart from diversions you dont see buses away from City Rd, Portland Rd & Icknield these days, i wish we could have something down Rotton Park tho
Quote from: Celestial Toymaker on October 31, 2023, 08:32:06 PMif it were possible i would bring back the old 187 Birmingham - Dorridge (my old home town) as there are now NO NXWM buses beyond Solihull i havent visited the old place in several years, im too young to remember the 187 very well, but i believe it went via Bentley Heath & back via Knowle, also down through Knowle & back through Bentley Heath.
For information, in their final Midland Red and WMPTE years, the 187 was Birmingham - Dorridge via Bentley Heath and the 182 was Birmingham - Dorridge via Knowle. There was also an S55 Knowle - Solihull Circular which ran both ways round - out via Bentley Heath back via Warwick Road and vice versa. All three services ran hourly.
In addition, mainly at rush hours, were 152 Birmingham - Knowle via Bentley Heath and 155 Birmingham - Knowle via Warwick Road. The 155 was a short working of the 182.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on October 27, 2023, 09:20:35 PMI remember the short Excels as they were based at my local Wolverhampton garage. They were numbered 401- 430 (with gaps) I think. Wolverhampton also had the longer length examples as well which were new to WMT.
401 to 422,no gaps.
Quote from: Celestial Toymaker on October 31, 2023, 08:32:06 PMif it were possible i would bring back the old 187 Birmingham - Dorridge (my old home town) as there are now NO NXWM buses beyond Solihull i havent visited the old place in several years, im too young to remember the 187 very well, but i believe it went via Bentley Heath & back via Knowle, also down through Knowle & back through Bentley Heath.
With the way nbus works now you can take one of Landflight's fine machines out to Dorridge when it takes your fancy from Solihull!
Quote from: Wumpty on October 29, 2023, 08:19:44 PMThe Choice Excels were full length models and bought for the Superline partnership in Walsall for the Mossley corridor.
They looked very Leyland National-esque with their imitation rear roof pod. Very stylish!
They also bought a couple of secondhand examples later if I recall which were used on the 510 service.
Quote from: markcf83 on November 01, 2023, 03:15:01 PM401 to 422,no gaps.
I'm sure one, possibly 403, never made it to Wolverhampton.
Back to topic.
Would bringing back the x74 Birmingham to Tamworth work?
It'd probably get stuck in all the HS2 roadworks at peaks, and if NX haven't sent a bus from Sutton to Tamworth yet, then I don't think there's much appeal for it? The 110 is probably sufficient for it.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on November 01, 2023, 03:45:32 PMI'm sure one, possibly 403, never made it to Wolverhampton.
403 on the 560
https://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/5001-9959/7206.html
Quote from: Tony on November 01, 2023, 04:03:48 PM403 on the 560
https://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/5001-9959/7206.html
Okay. Thanks Tony.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on November 01, 2023, 03:49:29 PMBack to topic.
Would bringing back the x74 Birmingham to Tamworth work?
Most of the X74 actually continued to exist as peak hour service X16, latterly operated by Diamond, until August 2022. It had been operated by a few operators on tender, which tells its own story, and Diamond withdrew it because it was "unsustainable at current passenger levels".
Unfortunately the M6 and M42 often suffer from holdups, as I'm sure we all know, and it must have been difficult to run a reliable service.
That i
Quote from: Justin Tyme on October 31, 2023, 10:06:27 PMFor information, in their final Midland Red and WMPTE years, the 187 was Birmingham - Dorridge via Bentley Heath and the 182 was Birmingham - Dorridge via Knowle. There was also an S55 Knowle - Solihull Circular which ran both ways round - out via Bentley Heath back via Warwick Road and vice versa. All three services ran hourly.
In addition, mainly at rush hours, were 152 Birmingham - Knowle via Bentley Heath and 155 Birmingham - Knowle via Warwick Road. The 155 was a short working of the 182.
That i did not know,
obviously i was 11 when i went to secondry school, i remember well a couple of lads at school had fleet books, a friend taught me about fleet numbers, Dorridge had been Midland Red, but it was WMPTE when i took an interest around the time Dial-A-Bus started, i still mourn the passing of the Ford A's
I used to get a bus from outside school that went down station road and after the station went back up poplar road, then suddenly it was 182 & 151 every 15 minutes & 153 just three times a day
Quote from: Rachvince53 on October 09, 2023, 06:36:00 PM966 Wolverhampton to Birmingham Airport. I would make it fully limited stop as it was originally and perhaps extend it to Solihull replacing the X12 which could be extended to Coventry alongside the X1 instead. However given the traffic issues would timekeeping and reliability suffer?
in a car that journey would take 1 and a half hours
As I went to West Brom the other day and due to the 79 diversion in Wednesbury it reminded me of a route that Like 10-15 years ago went down the Holyhead Road which I remember riding with my Grandma who lived in Moxley that went past the Queen Anne works on the Holyhead Road I could have sworn it was the 79 as I swear it was a Double Decker and we were sat upstairs but looking at Google Maps the 79 didn't go there, so maybe it was a single Decker I think we went to West Bromwich so what Route would this have been there was a 639 but that wasn't an NX or TWM route was it. I swear that was a Midland Bus Company route. I also remember going past the Junction Pub in Herberts Park in Darlaston on a TWM B6 with my Dad from Walsall I think. So maybe it was the 639 but I don't remember what the 639 route was does anyone know.
I would bring back maybe not the 639 as it maybe covered by the 79, 34/37/39 there was also the 645 and 327 around that area no idea again where they went but I would bring back a route through Herberts Park and down Holyhead Road though how it would use Holyhead Road without using the Black Country New Road I wouldn't know
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on December 10, 2023, 02:37:19 PMAs I went to West Brom the other day and due to the 79 diversion in Wednesbury it reminded me of a route that Like 10-15 years ago went down the Holyhead Road which I remember riding with my Grandma who lived in Moxley that went past the Queen Anne works on the Holyhead Road I could have sworn it was the 79 as I swear it was a Double Decker and we were sat upstairs but looking at Google Maps the 79 didn't go there, so maybe it was a single Decker I think we went to West Bromwich so what Route would this have been there was a 639 but that wasn't an NX or TWM route was it. I swear that was a Midland Bus Company route. I also remember going past the Junction Pub in Herberts Park in Darlaston on a TWM B6 with my Dad from Walsall I think. So maybe it was the 639 but I don't remember what the 639 route was does anyone know.
I would bring back maybe not the 639 as it maybe covered by the 79, 34/37/39 there was also the 645 and 327 around that area no idea again where they went but I would bring back a route through Herberts Park and down Holyhead Road though how it would use Holyhead Road without using the Black Country New Road I wouldn't know
Have you accounted for the 979 that ran direct Bilston to Wednesbury, missing out Darlo?
That ran from deregulation to when the Metro started, at a rough guess.
Quote from: Westy on December 10, 2023, 09:35:39 PMHave you accounted for the 979 that ran direct Bilston to Wednesbury, missing out Darlo?
That ran from deregulation to when the Metro started, at a rough guess.
Before my time I've only known the Moxley Darlaston and Bilston routes as the 339/39 and 79 and this 639 was part of that but not sure where entirely it ran maybe before I remember the 78 still existed and I remember the 79E that Joes Travel operated. The 79 eairlest I remember is the 43×× Tridents with the Circle Branding running to Birmingham and the 45×× with the Green Branding running to Birmingham