NATIONAL EXPRESS WEST MIDLANDS 1903 ON OLD SQUARE ROUNDABOUT
Birmingham, located in the West Midlands of England, is the UK's second-largest city and a significant hub for public transport. Its extensive bus network connects the city centre to surrounding suburbs and neighbouring towns, playing a crucial role in daily commuting and regional travel.
🚌 Bus Services and Operators:
The primary bus operator in Birmingham is National Express West Midlands. They operate the majority of services within the city and the broader West Midlands county. Other notable operators include Diamond Bus and Arriva Midlands, each providing services that link Birmingham to various destinations across the Midlands.
🕰️ Historical Overview:
Birmingham's bus history dates back to July 1913 when the Birmingham Corporation initiated motorbus services to complement its tramway network. The first route operated between Selly Oak and Rednal. In 1914, the Corporation expanded its services by taking over routes from the Midland Red company. Over the decades, the network grew, and in 1937, the operation was rebranded as Birmingham City Transport. This entity managed the city's buses until 1969, when it became part of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive.
📷 Bus Spotting Popularity:
Birmingham is a popular destination for bus enthusiasts. The city's diverse fleet, featuring various bus models and liveries, offers ample opportunities for observation and photography. Key locations for bus spotting include the Birmingham Coach Station and central bus stops around the city centre, where a high frequency of buses can be observed.
📝 Summary:
In summary, Birmingham's rich transportation history, combined with its extensive and varied bus network, makes it a significant and appealing location for bus spotting enthusiasts.
East Yorkshire Motor Services 83 (39EYD), a 2013 Volvo B9R with Caetano Levante bodywork, departing Digbeth Coach Station on a 151 service to Grimsby
Stagecoach East Scotland 26006 (YX65 PZF), an ADL Enviro 200 MMC featuring temporary Commonwealth Games branding, seen on Bradford Street in Birmingham
National Express West Midlands 4625, registered BX54 XRO, a TransBus Trident / TransBus ALX400, operating a 97 service into the city centre along Moat Lane
Johnsons Excelbus PN09EMJ, a Scania N230UD with Optare Olympus bodywork, on Moor Street Queensway, operating on the X20 route to Stratford-upon-Avon
Diamond Bus 30826 (BX09 SNV), a Volvo B7RLE with Plaxton Centro bodywork, captured on Moor Street Queensway in Birmingham while operating the 16 service to Hamstead
Diamond Bus 32228, registered SN68 AJB, a Wright StreetLite DF captured parked on Moor Street in Birmingham, right in front of the iconic Bullring Shopping Centre after completing a 50 service
DRM Bus DM66DRM, a white Volvo B8RLE with MCV Evolution bodywork branded for their services into Hereford, on Smallbrook Queensway in Birmingham, working a Rail Replacement service
Midland Classic 24, registered YN64 FWV, a Scania Irizar i3 seen operating a Rail Replacement service to Bromsgrove, pictured on Smallbrook Queensway
Diamond Bus 32316, registered BD20 OCN, a Wright StreetLite DF captured on Station Street, heading into the city centre on the 50 service
Diamond Bus 32319, registered BD20 OCY, a Wright StreetLite DF parked on Smallbrook Queensway, before operating a Rail Replacement service to Droitwich Spa
Turners Coachways YJ67CZY, a white Van Hool EX16 coach, captured on Dudley Street in Birmingham while operating a FlixBus 070 service to Leeds
National Express West Midlands 2231, registration YX15 OZW, an Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 MMC captured on 17 service on Park Street, heading for Tile Hill
National Express West Midlands 4892, registration BX13 JVH, an Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 double-decker still wearing its former National Express Coventry blue livery, on Park Street, not in service
National Express West Midlands 6136 (SN15 LHF), an Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC, operating a 50A service to Wythall
National Express West Midlands 2127 (BX12 DGU), a Volvo B7RLE with Wright Eclipse 2 bodywork, captured on The Priory Queensway in Birmingham City Centre
Diamond Bus 20737 (YJ10 EYS), an Optare Solo, captured on Priory Queensway in Birmingham before commencing an X16 service to Belgrave
Diamond Bus 30639 (YJ06 YPU), an Optare Solo, captured on Priory Queensway in Birmingham while operating the 16 service to Hamstead
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National Express West Midlands 4722, registration BU07 LGY, an ADL Trident 2 with ADL Enviro 400 bodywork in the striking Birmingham City Transport heritage livery, operating a 35 to Hawkesley
National Express West Midlands 4766, registration BV57 XKK, an ADL Trident 2 / ADL Enviro 400 still wearing its National Express Coventry blue livery, on Upper Dean Street, operating an 80 service to West Bromwich
Diamond Bus 40818, registration MX21 AUP, a Wright StreetDeck double-decker, seen on Upper Dean Street in Birmingham, operating a 16A service to West Bromwich
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