Bus operator seeks passenger memories of 50 bus route
National Express West Midlands is urging customers to get in touch with their memories of the popular 50 bus route between Druids Heath and Birmingham city centre via the Maypole, Kings Heath, Moseley and Highgate.
On 2 October, the Birmingham bus route turns 75, having first started running in 1949.
To celebrate the iconic route, National Express West Midlands is now appealing for locals past and present to share their stories and memories of travelling on the 50 bus over the past three quarters of a century.
Catherine Woolfe, customer and marketing director for National Express, said: “The 50-bus route has long-been a Brummie favourite and to celebrate its 75th year in operation we’re inviting our customers and colleagues to share their memories from years gone by.
“It is a vital part of daily life for a lot of passengers along the route and we’d love to hear their recollections. It may be memories of when they travelled on the 50 as a child, when they met their now wives or husbands onboard, or if they struck up a friendship which is still going strong many years later.
“Our 50 service runs up to every 5 minutes and single adult tickets are still only £2 until the end of this year, so it remains a very popular route and we hope our customers will join us on a trip down memory lane to mark this special anniversary.”
The 50 bus service originally terminated at the Maypole and in 1981 was extended to Druids Heath, with the seven-mile journey taking around 40 minutes from the beginning to the end.
Thanks to National Express West Midlands continued participation in the Government’s £2 fare cap scheme, bus users can continue to enjoy discounted single fares until the end of 2024.
Over 5 million passenger journeys are made along the 50 route each year, with 38 stops from Birmingham city centre to Druids Heath, and 37 stops in the other direction
In 1997, the 50 service was the first National Express West Midlands route to have a fleet of low-floor double deckers including 20 DAF DB250LF and Optare Spectra vehicles
Stories and memories of National Express West Midlands’ 50 route should be submitted to nxbusmarketing@nationalexpress.com by 30 September.
Pictured: The old alignment of Albert Street in Birmingham city centre. At the time of the photograph in the 1950s, the city terminus of the 50 was here with the bus pulling away from the stop. (Photo copyright: Transport Museum Wythall)
