West Midlands Bus Users

OPINION: Blackheath Bus Interchange – “embarrassing” After hearing about the new £2.9m Blackheath Bus Interchange being opened today (Sunday 2nd November), I decided to head over and have a look for myself at what bus passengers can expect from this …

"It'll be great when it's finished"

Service changes in January 2026 2026 will begin with a number of bus service changes mainly due to the commencement of new tender contracts. Birmingham & Black Country area changes 19 - Dudley to QE Hospital, via Netherton, Halesowen and Quinton From Sunday 4th January 2026, this service will be operated by Diamond Bus, no change to route, some minor revisions to timetable during peak times.

Service changes in January 2026

2026 will begin with a number of bus service changes mainly due to the commencement of new tender contracts. Birmingham & Black Country area changes 19 - Dudley to QE Hospital, via Netherton, Halesowen and Quinton From Sunday 4th January 2026, this service will be…

Months of disruption ahead as Burnt Tree junction works commence early November 2026 Bus passengers are being warned to expect months of delays and alterations to bus services from Sunday 10th November, as improvement works commence at Burnt Tree junction in Dudley. What's happening? From 10 November 2025, works will begin on the highway at Burnt Tree Junction in Dudley and on the border with Sandwell. This project is part of a larger scheme to improve bus journey times and help those walking and cycling around the main roads in the area.

Months of disruption ahead as Burnt Tree junction works commence early November 2026

Bus passengers are being warned to expect months of delays and alterations to bus services from Sunday 10th November, as improvement works commence at Burnt Tree junction in Dudley. What's happening? From 10…

OPINION: Are QR codes at bus stops really necessary? I only recently became aware of this new development which has seen Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) adding new signs to bus stops that display a QR code, which when scanned, take the user to a website that shows upcoming scheduled and real-time bus departures from that stop. What is Real Time Information (RTI) Real-time information is displayed on digital screens at your bus shelter, showing departure times.

OPINION: Are QR codes at bus stops really necessary?

I only recently became aware of this new development which has seen Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) adding new signs to bus stops that display a QR code, which when scanned, take the user to a website that shows upcoming scheduled and…

New Blackheath bus interchange set for November opening With work now drawing to a close, it has been revealed that the new bus interchange in Blackheath town centre will be up and running from Sunday 2nd November 2025. Diversions will end, and buses will begin serving the new stops that are in place. Buses will now board at the following stops: Bus stop BA (Birmingham Road) ∙ Service 3/3A towards West Bromwich 

New Blackheath bus interchange set for November opening

With work now drawing to a close, it has been revealed that the new bus interchange in Blackheath town centre will be up and running from Sunday 2nd November 2025. Diversions will end, and buses will begin serving the new stops that are in…

Save on single fares with a 10-ticket bundle for £25 Less frequent travellers have a new way of saving money on the cost of their bus travel with NX Bus. The NX Bus mTicket app allows the purchase of a bundle of 10 single journey tickets for £25, which means a single fare costs just £2.50, compared to the regular £3 price. The app is available for Android and Apple devices, and allows users to purchase tickets before they board the bus, then they just scan the QR code under the card reader when they board, no messing about trying to find loose change or your bank card!

The NX Bus mTicket app allows the purchase of a bundle of 10 single journey tickets for £25, which means a single fare costs just £2.50, compared to the regular £3 price.

Cross-City bus priority routes to bypass traffic jams and save commuters time New bus gates and lanes being installed across the Birmingham and the Black Country are set to slash journey times for passengers. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has now appointed a new contractor so work can start on three new bus priority routes as part of the Cross-City bus programme. The routes, which are being delivered in partnership with local councils, will see a raft of measures installed on key routes so that buses can bypass traffic jams.

Cross-City bus priority routes to bypass traffic jams and save commuters time

New bus gates and lanes being installed across the Birmingham and the Black Country are set to slash journey times for passengers. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has now appointed a new contractor so work can start…

Free bus travel for parents this October half-term Richard Parker, the Mayor of the West Midlands, is offering parents free bus rides to help cut the cost of keeping children busy this half-term. Parents and carers can apply for a Swift travel card pre-loaded with free bus travel between Monday, October 27nd and Sunday, November 2nd 2025 as part of the region’s ongoing campaign to get more people to try buses.

Free bus travel for parents this October half-term

Richard Parker, the Mayor of the West Midlands, is offering parents free bus rides to help cut the cost of keeping children busy this half-term. Parents and carers can apply for a Swift travel card pre-loaded with free bus travel between Monday,…

Update: Wolverhampton going electric in new bus delivery I wrote a 'speculative' piece last month about the impending arrival of more new electric buses, and I'm happy to post this follow up to provide a further update. As I wrote previously, the latest delivery is of 130 brand new Wrightbus Streetdeck Electroliners (as pictured above), and I have now been advised that 97 will be heading to Wolverhampton garage, with the remaining 33 being delivered to Perry Barr.

I wrote a 'speculative' piece last month about the impending arrival of more new electric buses, and I'm happy to post this follow up to provide a further update.

Service changes in November 2025 November sees the start of new TfWM contracts, with some services having new operators, and we also say goodbye to Stagecoach in Birmingham. 5 - Dudley to Kingswinford, via Pensnett5A - Dudley to Wall Heath, via Pensnett and Kingswinford From Sunday 2nd November, these services will be operated by National Express West Midlands, with no change to current route or timetable.

November sees the start of new TfWM contracts, with some services having new operators, and we also say goodbye to Stagecoach in Birmingham.

Birmingham city centre bus stop changes – 28th September 2025 Following the completion of Midland Metro works, which has seen tram tracks extended from Lower Bull Street across Moor Street Queensway to a new terminus point next to the Clayton Hotel, there will be some bus stop changes for bus routes from Sunday 28th September 2025, in order to make use of a new bus-only road that has been constructed between Park Street and Moor Street Queensway, while some services revert to previous stopping points.

Birmingham city centre bus stop changes – 28th September 2025

Following the completion of Midland Metro works, which has seen tram tracks extended from Lower Bull Street across Moor Street Queensway to a new terminus point next to the Clayton Hotel, there will be some bus stop changes for bus…

How to get your lost property back I'm amazed how many people accidentally leave something behind on a bus or train, and then 'turn to social media' to try and get it back. The best way to get your lost property back is not to post about it on Facebook, and hope that someone sees your post and finds your left-behind item, but to contact the operator of the bus/train directly!

How to get your lost property back

I'm amazed how many people accidentally leave something behind on a bus or train, and then 'turn to social media' to try and get it back. The best way to get your lost property back is not to post about it on Facebook, and hope that someone sees your post and…

More new electric buses on the way into 2026 Following the delivery of 170 brand new ADL Enviro400EVs into their Perry Barr and Yardley Wood garages, National Express West Midlands have started receiving the first of 130 new Streetdeck Electroliners from Northern Irish bus manufacturer Wrightbus. This will conclude the delivery of 300 new electric buses that was announced back in 2023, and it has been a painfully long process!

Following the delivery of 170 brand new ADL Enviro400EVs into their Perry Barr and Yardley Wood garages, National Express West Midlands have started receiving the first of 130 new Streetdeck Electroliners from Northern Irish bus manufacturer Wrightbus.

Opinion: Checking out the ‘new’ 27 route Following service changes that took place last Sunday, today I decided to try out the 'new' 27 route today and see how it was doing. In a nutshell, the 27 has been substantially changed between Kings Heath and Yardley Wood, so it can accommodate parts of the former 46 route through Brandwood End, as well as being extended to Solihull to replace much of the former 169 route, both previously operated by Stagecoach under contract to TfWM.

Following service changes that took place last Sunday, today I decided to try out the 'new' 27 route today and see how it was doing.

Service changes in August 2025 August Bank Holiday On Monday 25th August, buses will run to Sunday levels of service owing to Summer Bank Holiday. End of summer timetables As the school summer holiday period draws to a close, bus services will revert to normal timetables from Sunday 31st August. Other service changes this month Following last month's changes, there will be some further changes happening in August 2025.

August Bank Holiday, end of summer timetables and new routes to Chelmsley Wood and Birmingham Airport

Summer Holiday timetables explained For many years now, bus operators have introduced what are known as 'summer holiday timetables' during the period covered by the schools 'six-week' holiday from mid-July to early-September. With the main reason given being "reduced levels of traffic". In the last couple of years, I have seen lots of comments on social media from people 'moaning' about these changes, and asking questions like "how will we get to work?"

Summer Holiday timetables explained

For many years now, bus operators have introduced what are known as 'summer holiday timetables' during the period covered by the schools 'six-week' holiday from mid-July to early-September. With the main reason given being "reduced levels of traffic". In the…

Get free travel to work when starting a new job with Workwise When starting a new job, the cost of travel by public transport to your new place of work can often be a barrier, especially if your first wage packet isn't for another few weeks. However this is where Workwise comes in - it is a scheme provided by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) through Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).

Starting a new job? Cost of travel by public transport to your new place of work can often be a barrier, especially if your first wage packet isn't for another few weeks. Workwise offers two 4-week travel passes free and a third pass at half price, to help new job starters get to their place of work

Save on days out when you travel by bus Stuck for ideas to keep the kids (or yourself!) occupied during the summer holidays? Did you know that if you travel by bus, you can get discount offers at selected locations who have partnered with NX West Midlands and NX Coventry? How it works Go to the Offers page on the NX West Midlands or NX Coventry websites Choose an attraction to find out more details and see terms and conditions…

Stuck for ideas to keep the kids (or yourself!) occupied during the summer holidays?
Did you know that if you travel by bus, you can get discount offers at selected locations that have partnered with NX West Midlands and NX Coventry?

Save on summer travel by bus – nBus Summer Specials In partnership with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), Diamond Bus and National Express Bus are offering new Summer Special tickets to help families and groups with the cost of bus travel during the school summer holidays. Family Summer Special - £75 Introducing a brand new 'Family Summer Special' ticket - giving you and your family unlimited bus travel for the whole of the school summer holidays.

Save on summer travel by bus – nBus Summer Specials

In partnership with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), Diamond Bus and National Express Bus are offering new Summer Special tickets to help families and groups with the cost of bus travel during the school summer holidays. Family Summer Special…

Service changes from 20th July 2025 From Sunday July 20th 2025, a large number of bus services will have summer timetables introduced, owing to reduced levels of traffic during the school summer holiday period. From the same date, there will also be some other significant service changes, which are detailed below: 12 / 12A - Birmingham to Dudley, via Bearwood and Oldbury12A - Dudley to Oldbury…

Service changes from 20th July 2025

From Sunday July 20th 2025, a large number of bus services will have summer timetables introduced, owing to reduced levels of traffic during the school summer holiday period. From the same date, there will also be some other significant service changes, which…

OPINION: Bus fare rise may be unfair but it is necessary compared to the alternative Friday's announcement about nBus ticket prices increasing from 15th June came as a bit of a surprise to me, and has prompted a lot of angry responses on news articles and social media posts. First of all, I do think it was a bit underhand to give passengers only two weeks notice of these price increases, and I do sympathise with anyone who is affected, but as we shall see, it's not the end of the world, as the alternative would have been far worse.

I do think it was a bit underhand to give passengers only two weeks notice of these price increases, and I do sympathise with anyone who is affected, but as we shall see, it's not the end of the world, as the alternative would have been far worse.

Changes to nBus ticket prices from Sunday 15th June 2025 From 15th June 2025, bus fares will be changing. Due to the continued steep rise in industry costs, including overheads and labour, a review of fares has been necessary to ensure the bus network remains operating at current levels whilst still being able to cover costs. The last increase to nBus tickets was in July 2024. The new nBus prices are agreed between all West Midlands Bus Operators and Transport for West Midlands.

From 15th June 2025, bus fares will be changing. Due to the continued steep rise in industry costs, including overheads and labour, a review of fares has been necessary to ensure the bus network remains operating at current levels whilst still being able to cover costs.

Service changes in June 2025 From Sunday 1st June 2025, a large number of bus services will have timetable changes as 'early Summer' schedules are introduced, mainly due to fewer university students travelling, as well as schoolkids revising for exams, however there are some routes that will see more significant changes, including routes serving Wombourne, Kingstanding and the QE Hospital. 15 / 15A - Wolverhampton to Merry Hill, via Wombourne…

From Sunday 1st June 2025, a large number of bus services will have timetable changes as 'early Summer' schedules are introduced, however there are some routes that will see more significant changes, including routes serving Wombourne, Kingstanding and the QE Hospital.

The results are in: West Midlands set for bus franchising The WMCA (West Midlands Combined Authority) board is due to meet on Friday 9th May 2025 in Wolverhampton, where it is expected that board members will vote to implement bus franchising, with the Mayor giving the formal sign-off, following the public consultation that was undertaken at the start of the year. In a nutshell, despite the reporting in the local news, as well as the WMCA's own press release, 52% of respondents to the consultation were in support, with 30% who 'strongly support', and 32% who 'somewhat support'.

In a nutshell, despite the reporting in the local news, as well as the WMCA's own press release, 52% of respondents to the consultation were in support, with 30% who 'strongly support', and 32% who 'somewhat support', while 18% opposed the proposal.

Wolverhampton service changes in May 2025 Following the cancellation of the commercial daytime journeys on the 5/X5 services operated by Banga Buses, Staffordshire County Council have stepped in to part-fund a replacement service. To accommodate the award of this contract, new operator Chaserider will be making changes to their 70 and 71 services in Wolverhampton city centre. 5 - Wolverhampton to Codsall, via BilbrookX5 - Wolverhampton to Codsall…

Wolverhampton service changes in May 2025

Following the cancellation of the commercial daytime journeys on the 5/X5 services operated by Banga Buses, Staffordshire County Council have stepped in to part-fund a replacement service. To accommodate the award of this contract, new operator Chaserider…

Black Country Bus Bash – August 2025 The Black Country Bus Bash is back – and you’re invited! Join us on Sunday 10th August 2025 at the Park Lane Depot in Wolverhampton for a fun, family day out celebrating all things bus. The event runs from 10am to 4pm and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s what you can look forward to: Take a ride through the bus wash - a big hit with kids and grown-ups…

An event to keep in your diary for later this year...

Travel together and save with a Group Day Ticket Whether you're a family or a group of friends/colleagues, if you're all travelling together then you can save money on the cost of travel. Rather than buying individual tickets, choose the Group Day nBus Ticket instead! For just £8.50, the Group Day nBus Ticket allows a group of up to 5 adults, or 2 adults with up to 4 children, unlimited bus travel all day on all bus operators' services within the nBus region.

Travel together and save with a Group Day Ticket

Whether you're a family or a group of friends/colleagues, if you're all travelling together then you can save money on the cost of travel. Rather than buying individual tickets, choose the Group Day nBus Ticket instead! For just £8.50, the Group Day…

Service changes in April 2025 Well we're almost a quarter of the way into 2025 and spring is finally here! So what's in store for April? With the clocks going forward an hour early this morning, the evenings will be much lighter now. This month features Easter, which gives us two bank holidays on Good Friday and Easter Monday. But the end of the month sees some further timetable changes, with some services seeing a slight frequency reduction, as NX West Midlands tries to keep them commercially viable.

Service changes in April 2025

Well we're almost a quarter of the way into 2025 and spring is finally here! So what's in store for April? With the clocks going forward an hour early this morning, the evenings will be much lighter now. This month features Easter, which gives us two bank holidays on…

Kings Heath station works – amendments to 35 and 50 services Due to roadworks taking place in Kings Heath to facilitate the construction of the new railway station, NX West Midlands are introducing temporary timetables for their 35 and 50 services from Sunday 30th March. The new timetables will accommodate the increased journey times caused by temporary traffic lights installed at the junction of Alcester Road and Queensbridge Road, which are causing significant amounts of traffic congestion.

Kings Heath station works – amendments to 35 and 50 services

Due to roadworks taking place in Kings Heath to facilitate the construction of the new railway station, NX West Midlands are introducing temporary timetables for their 35 and 50 services from Sunday 30th March. The new timetables will…

Reminder: bus franchising consultation closes Sunday 30th March 2025 If you've not yet participated in the 'bus reform consultation' being run by the WMCA (West Midlands Combined Authority), time is running out for you to 'have your say' as the consultation closes next Sunday, 30th March. At the time of writing this post, there have been 2026 responses so far - 1741 on the 'short' survey, and…

Reminder: bus franchising consultation closes Sunday 30th March 2025

If you've not yet participated in the 'bus reform consultation' being run by the WMCA (West Midlands Combined Authority), time is running out for you to 'have your say' as the consultation closes next Sunday, 30th March. At the…