How is the fast part of x12/x13 decided

[Dutsey]

Riding the x13 today and it decided to go fast via heartlands parkway instead of the Aston expressway is this upto driver discretion or are they expected to pic the quickest for that journey?

[2206]

Riding the x13 today and it decided to go fast via heartlands parkway instead of the Aston expressway is this upto driver discretion or are they expected to pic the quickest for that journey?

Regularly it will use Heartlands Parkway into the City and Aston Expressway on the way out.
I think it was said its up to the driver unless they are told to avoid/take a specific route.

X12/X13 are uniquely the only routes that operate that way where there are 2 routes it can take as well I think.

[PB2938]

Sutton services X3 X4 X5 X14 can use Lichfield Road, Aston if needed.

• Received19 Jan 18
• Effective18 Mar 18
• Registered

Flexible route introduced between Aston University and Gravelly Hill to combat variable traffic congestion

Operating between Birmingham and Hill Hook, Minworth and Roughley given service number 902 / X4 / X5 / X3 effective from 18 March 2018. To amend Route.

Pretty sure the X1 X2 can use Small Heath instead of Highway.

[Rachvince53]

Sutton services X3 X4 X5 X14 can use Lichfield Road, Aston if needed.

• Received19 Jan 18
• Effective18 Mar 18
• Registered

Flexible route introduced between Aston University and Gravelly Hill to combat variable traffic congestion

Operating between Birmingham and Hill Hook, Minworth and Roughley given service number 902 / X4 / X5 / X3 effective from 18 March 2018. To amend Route.

Pretty sure the X1 X2 can use Small Heath instead of Highway.

Yes, the diversion of X1/X2 via Small Heath (Old A45) is commonplace, especially at peak times.

[2206]

Yes, the diversion of X1/X2 via Small Heath (Old A45) is commonplace, especially at peak times.

Don't think either of those are used regularly these days.
Especially the X1/X2 since it now has an extra stop at Small Heath Station, as well as the bus lane on the Small Heath Highway

[Squiz1971]

Riding the x13 today and it decided to go fast via heartlands parkway instead of the Aston expressway is this upto driver discretion or are they expected to pic the quickest for that journey?

They also occasionally go down Drews Lane, Washwood Heath Road, High St, Saltley Viaduct then normal line of route,  if traffic is too bad 

[mesub]

Regularly it will use Heartlands Parkway into the City and Aston Expressway on the way out.
I think it was said its up to the driver unless they are told to avoid/take a specific route.

X12/X13 are uniquely the only routes that operate that way where there are 2 routes it can take as well I think.

I always prefer it when it uses the expressway into the city! Much more enjoyable as a passenger.

[Stu]

Riding the x13 today and it decided to go fast via heartlands parkway instead of the Aston expressway is this upto driver discretion or are they expected to pic the quickest for that journey?

Regularly it will use Heartlands Parkway into the City and Aston Expressway on the way out.
I think it was said its up to the driver unless they are told to avoid/take a specific route.

X12/X13 are uniquely the only routes that operate that way where there are 2 routes it can take as well I think.

Both lines of route are registered, and you can see this on the BusTime maps:
https://bustimes.org/services/x12-birmingham-solihull-via-chelmsley-wood#map
https://bustimes.org/services/x13-birmingham-city-centre-bromford-estate-castle#map

As there are no 'intermediate' stops, for passengers it makes no difference which way the bus goes to and from Bromford.

While there may be an element of 'choice' for the driver, there will be monitoring of traffic levels and I'm sure the garage can easily advise the quicker route to take if needed.

[Tony]

Both lines of route are registered, and you can see this on the BusTime maps:
https://bustimes.org/services/x12-birmingham-solihull-via-chelmsley-wood#map
https://bustimes.org/services/x13-birmingham-city-centre-bromford-estate-castle#map

As there are no 'intermediate' stops, for passengers it makes no difference which way the bus goes to and from Bromford.

While there may be an element of 'choice' for the driver, there will be monitoring of traffic levels and I'm sure the garage can easily advise the quicker route to take if needed.

The basic rule is the drivers have a free choice unless instructed not to use a particular route via the radio or temporary order on the running board

[Stu]

Yes, the diversion of X1/X2 via Small Heath (Old A45) is commonplace, especially at peak times.

Not since the completion of Sprint works along Small Heath Highway.

Prior to that, yes it would often be the case that due to queuing/slow moving traffic - especially between Heybarnes Circus and Poets Corner towards city - it was often just as quick for drivers of the X1/X2 to continue along Coventry Road through Small Heath.

Since the introduction of the bus lanes, I imagine the X1/X2 would only divert if there was a serious incident blocking the road completely. As pointed out already, there is also the new registered stop added at Poets Corner (for Small Heath station), so I guess the 'flexi-route' no longer applies here.

[mesub]

The basic rule is the drivers have a free choice unless instructed not to use a particular route via the radio or temporary order on the running board

Obviously this is the case now, but didn't the ticket machine decide at one point? (this must have been a few years ago)

[Tony]

Obviously this is the case now, but didn't the ticket machine decide at one point? (this must have been a few years ago)

No, always been the same. How would a ticket machine decide?

[mesub]

No, always been the same. How would a ticket machine decide?

In hindsight, I actually meant the AVL.

The only reason I brought it up is because I remember reading this from Mr. Fitchew:

Along with the X70 from Chelmsley Wood via Coleshill, the two routes then serve the tower blocks of the Bromford Bridge Estate before heading non stop to Birmingham City Centre by two possible routes, the driver being informed by NXWM's Automatic Vehicle Location system of which route to take depending on congestion levels! The default routing for the route is to run from city via Aston Expressway & Tyburn Road, whilst inbound journeys usually take the Heartlands Spine Road.

(Obviously written some time ago since it refers to the what is now the X13).

Link here: https://mfitchewhotmail.wordpress.com/2018/04/26/hunting-beloveds-23-4-18/

[BusDriverBosh]

As an X12/X13 driver myself, we get shown both routes primarily for traffic. During rush hour, drivers tend to use Nechells Parkway. Personally, I use Aston Expressway going out of city (depending on traffic) and Newhall Parkway going in as I feel it is a little quicker.
It is up to the driver's discretion on which way to go.

[mesub]

I wonder if a passenger can request that a driver uses a certain route (ignoring scenarios when they've been told to use a certain route because of traffic, etc.)?