We ask Birmingham: What’s best and worst about city bus services?

Birmingham arguably has one of the most extensive public transport systems in the UK. With train strikes disrupting the normal flow of transit across the city, many have become more reliant on the use of buses to get around.

Often the cheapest and most convenient form of transportation for many, the service doesn’t always have the best reputation - so I’m here today to ask Brummies what they love and loathe about buses in Birmingham.

Phil says: “​​I think the best things about the bus service is the change that’s happening, where they’re trying to make the buses tidier, smarter. They’ve been so old and dated for so long. And they seem to be making an effort.

“I noticed in some places that I go to around the country, they had digital screens, with adverts, and really interesting things on there. So that’s good to see. I think the worst thing about it is the pollution that a lot of them still put out because they haven’t all gone over to electric.

“Sometimes the type of clientele that you get on there as well. But what’s nice to see the positive for that is they they put cameras on the buses, although it didn’t recently help that one that went up in flames, did it!

“But I just think that, you know, there’s more got to be invested into them to make it a better experience for the user overall. But let’s be realistic, when you’re packing lots of people into a confined space, you’re always gonna get some issue or another.”

Kharie says: “So I don’t use them right now. In the past, I used to use it when I was at school. And to be honest, the main reason why I don’t use it now - I just find them not very convenient. Obviously now that I drive, I can pretty much drive into town, drop us off wherever I need to be.

“And I’ve got my own space, my own music. I don’t need to share it with the public. But I just found that not very convenient. They’ll take ages to get into town. And they’re just not very pleasant.”

Salman says: “Okay, the thing I’d say is the best thing about the bus service is the bus drivers. I’ve got to admit they’re just so nice. They’re patient. They friendly. So the best thing about bus services, definitely the bus drivers.

“The worst thing I would say is the buses are often, you know, not on time. Sometimes they’re a bit dirty, but also the routes. There’s not many regular routes for people so it’s not - in my view - a viable alternative to driving and cycling.”