Birmingham Central Garage

[j789]

I can see a lot of drivers on the uni rotas hating the extension to Merry Hill

Can't see why? Being stuck in Birmingham city centre traffic is just replaced by being stuck in Merry Hill traffic!

[BusDriverBosh]

I can see a lot of drivers on the uni rotas hating the extension to Merry Hill

All the ones I've spoke to, don't mind it

[BusDriverBosh]

Any reason why BC vehicles are tracking on the 14 to Chelmsley?

[Tony]

Any reason why BC vehicles are tracking on the 14 to Chelmsley?

One vehicle is, as it is on the BC board on the 14

[MasterPlan]

X21 and X22 getting battered once again. Guessing more train strikes?

[2206]

X21 and X22 getting battered once again. Guessing more train strikes?

Don't think there are any train strikes today?

[ellspurs]

Is it the university's first full week back?

[Tony]

Yes, X21/X22 has 5 extra PVR on it today compared to September

[MasterPlan]

Yes, X21/X22 has 5 extra PVR on it today compared to September

There hasn't been any timetable changes that I can see. Still every 10 mins.

[Lukeee]

There hasn't been any timetable changes that I can see. Still every 10 mins.

Could be more drop back on same frequency to avoid late running 

[MasterPlan]

Could be more drop back on same frequency to avoid late running

Ah okay, fair. That'll still be tough to achieve with traffic levels right now!

[Mike K]

I've been thinking for a while now that the 23/24 really needs extra capacity during rush hour and my thoughts were echoed this evening by the driver of 7521, who asked multiple standees if they could move away from the buggy zone so he could accommodate another mother and pushchair. "Too many people, not enough buses, it's the same every day" were his words.

Peak hour usage on those services must be at or close to pre-pandemic levels on Mon-Thurs at least.

They really struggle on a 5 minute frequency, with most journeys having large standing loads, often even when there are 2 buses together. Pretty much every inbound morning peak bus leaves Harborne High St full, and just a small gap in service results in carnage.

I know they've had a minor frequency increase last month, but would hope that as the driver shortage eases further, they could possibly consider restoring the previous 4 minute rush hour frequency. As it is, the commute to and from work is not a pleasurable one.

I don't doubt that there may be other services in a similar position.

[MasterPlan]

Yeah from what I've seen most City services appear to be a bit busier now.

Not sure what the solution is though.

[monkeyjoe]

Must be extra profits if everyone is standing. 

[Tony]

Must be extra profits if everyone is standing.

More a case of covering costs than extra profit