Six services receive X route numbers to represent the express limited-stop nature of the routes
National Express West Midlands (NXWM) has changed the numbers of several services to begin with the letter X, while also bringing the grey high-specification Platinum-branded buses onto more routes.
Managing Director Peter Coates said: “This number change is to make it clear to our customers that these ‘X-press’ services are quicker. The buses are limited-stop for sections of these routes.
“All our X routes are Platinum services, where customers can sit back and enjoy the free WiFi, USB chargers, comfy seats and extra legroom.
“As part of the West Midlands Bus Alliance, we’ve been working closely with Transport for West Midlands on improving the highways so these beautiful buses can glide through the traffic.”
Since the number change:
- The 900 has become X1 (Birmingham – Airport – International Station/NEC – Coventry or Birmingham Business Park);
- 957 becomes X2 (Birmingham – Yardley – Sheldon, Wheatsheaf – Old Lode Lane – Solihull);
- 902 becomes X3 (Birmingham – Aston Expressway – Erdington – Sutton Coldfield – Hill Hook);
- 904 becomes X4 (Birmingham – Aston Expressway – Erdington – Sutton Coldfield – Minworth, Asda);
- 905 becomes X5 (Birmingham – Aston Expressway – Erdington – Sutton Coldfield – Roughley); and
- 914 becomes X14 (Birmingham – Pype Hayes – Walmey – Falcon Lodge – Sutton Coldfield).
National Express has also changed the 61 to the X61 and introduced new Platinum buses for Bristol Road customers. A route change should make the service five minutes faster by going down the Selly Oak relief road instead of the B384.
The bus company is also rolling Platinum vehicles out onto the X10 service, which runs between Merry Hill and Birmingham.
