Bus operator announces changes to services
National Express West Midlands is making changes to some bus services in the coming weeks, including new services, revised timetables and some route changes.
The changes take effect on 22 October, 29 October and 5 November 2023.
Overall, most of the affected services only have timetable alterations to improve reliability and ensure customers are served more efficiently. A small number of services will see other changes to better meet travel patterns and maintain connectivity across the bus network.
As there are a series of changes taking place over the coming weeks, the bus operator is encouraging customers to plan ahead and check the latest timetables before they travel.
From 22 October 2023 the X1 service between Birmingham and Coventry will see fully electric zero-emission double decker buses launched on the route, providing a smoother, cleaner, quieter ride for customers while helping to drive down on-road emissions between the two cities. The change to electric buses coincides with timetable changes to the X1, X2, X14 and 71.
Two new services will also be introduced from the 22nd. A new 71A bus service will begin between Chelmsley Wood and Sutton Coldfield, serving the new Amazon depot at Peddimore. It follows National Express West Midlands’ new 67A service which was launched on 8th October, providing new bus links between Birmingham and the new Amazon depot.
The region’s biggest bus operator will also begin operating the 96 service between Kingstanding and Chelmsley Wood from Monday to Saturday, serving Perry Common, Erdington, The Fort and Castle Bromwich.
Ed Rickard, network director for National Express, said: "We know that our bus services are vital lifelines for many customers and communities and we have been working closely with Transport for West Midlands to continue protecting as many services as possible across the region.
"In common with bus operators nationwide, we are seeing changes to travel patterns due to a number of lifestyle changes, including more people working from home and shopping online. This means we have to look at our network to ensure we can maintain the best bus coverage for the people of the West Midlands.”
Ahead of half-term there will be some timetable changes from 29 October, with route changes to the existing X21 and X22 services in Kitwell and Bartley Green. The X21 will also be extended to Merry Hill Centre on Sunday daytime.
Following the half-term break, there will be further timetable changes from 5 November.
The 27 service will also change to operate between Yardley Wood and Frankley only and the current number 2 service will change to serve some areas covered by the current 27, including Glenavon Road in Kings Heath. Customers travelling between Frankley and Cofton Hackett can use services 20, 20A, 49 and 63.
The route of the 89 service will change and will no longer continue to Birmingham from Cape Hill, running instead to Bearwood. Customers wishing to continue into Birmingham can use the 82 and 87 services from Cape Hill.
Full details of the service changes from 22 and 29 October are available on National Express West Midlands’ website and information about the 5 November changes will be available from the end of this week. Details are also being posted on the company’s social media channels as well as posters on buses serving affected routes.
