ONE OF the World’s most famous bus routes – the Number 11 Birmingham Outer Circle – is celebrating its centenary today, writes Zaynab Hamdy.
Everyday, there are up to 36,000 journeys on the National Express West Midlands route which covers a 27 mile radius. It is one of the longest bus routes in Europe and takes up three hours to complete. There are 260 bus stops served, 233 educational institiutions, 40 pubs, 19 retail centres, six hospitals and one prison – this route links some 15 commercial centres and passes by Cadbury World in Bournville and the Villa Park football stadium.
The number 11 buses have changed where they terminate – improving the reliability of the service avoiding roadworks and congestion along the route.
Inspired a song by the Woodbines in 1999, a dance, and Bromsgrove author Jonathan Coe’s bestselling novel ‘Number 11’.
Adam Rideout, the head of customer experience and marketing at NX Bus said: “Bus is by far the most popular form of public transport here in the West Midlands and our iconic 11 service has long-been a Brummie favourite since it first started some 100 years ago.
“With buses running up to every 10 minutes and single adult tickets still only £3, and and a day ticket allowing passengers to explore the region, with unlimited travel on the day, is only £5.20. it remains a very popular route that connects our customers in a number of key areas around the city and is part of the city’s transport history.”
Transport Museum Wythall is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Birmingham’s iconic 11 bus service this month.
The special trips on different buses through the ages of the 11 route, are part of Transport Museum Wythall’s anniversary celebrations which will take place on the late May bank holiday weekend.
For more information about the Transport Museum Wythall visit www.wythall.org.uk
Click here for the 11C (Clockwise) and 11A (Anti-clockwise)
