National Express West Midlands route 337
Encyclopedia
National Express West Midlands route 333E is a bus route, operating in the Walsall
area of the West Midlands
, England
.
The same route is also followed by Midland
service 9 (which extends to Lodge Farm
via Bentley
), National Express West Midlands
route 333 (which extends to Wolverhampton
via Lodge Farm
& Willenhall
), National Express West Midlands
, Finesse Coaches & Sandwell Travel route 334 (which extends to Bilston
via Rough Hay) and National Express West Midlands
& Midland Bus Company route 339 (which extends to Bilston
via Moxley
).
with Darlaston
via Pleck
, travelling along the Wednesbury
, Walsall
and Darlaston
Roads. This is the same route which is followed by buses on services 333, 334 & 339.
The 333E, which was previously numbered the 337, was initially set up in July 2008 as an attempt by NXWM to 'steal' customers back from the increased competition its services 333, 334 & 339 were facing along the corridor, however, this appears to have gone drastically wrong with the introduction of a 'copy-cat' service (338) running at a six-minute frequency from January 2009, operated by A2Z Travel
.
However, thanks to a bit of good luck on National Express West Midlands
behalf, A2Z Travel
had their licence revoked on 31st March 2009, meaning they completely withdrew from the corridor.
It is worth noting that, while operators had withdrawn from the route since the 337 has been introduced, they were instantly replaced by other companies up until early December 2009, when Golden Line withdrew its journeys on the 334 without replacement.
Currently over 15 buses an hour serve the corridor, National Express West Midlands
operate their services to a combined six minute frequency, whilst the other operators run their services at a half hourly basis. Evening and Sundays see a drastic reduction in services, just two buses, both run by National Express West Midlands
run along the corridor per hour.
The 333E is now operated using Volvo B6LEs. Previously it was operated using MCW Metrobus
es, with regular appearances from the B6LEs. It is however quite regular to see variety on the route, it is quite regular for Volvo B10L
s, Volvo B7RLE
s and Volvo B7TL
s to appear on the route.
Other National Express West Midlands
services along the corridor are operated by Volvo B6LEs, Volvo B7RLE
s and Volvo B10L
s.
Dennis Dart
s, (Step-Entrance) operate on all other services on the corridor, with the exception of the 9, which is operated by low floor Darts and also run by Optare Solo
s.
Walsall
Walsall is a large industrial town in the West Midlands of England. It is located northwest of Birmingham and east of Wolverhampton. Historically a part of Staffordshire, Walsall is a component area of the West Midlands conurbation and part of the Black Country.Walsall is the administrative...
area of the West Midlands
West Midlands (county)
The West Midlands is a metropolitan county in western central England with a 2009 estimated population of 2,638,700. It came into existence as a metropolitan county in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972, formed from parts of Staffordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. The...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
.
The same route is also followed by Midland
Choice Travel
Midland, previously known as Choice Travel is a limited bus company operating mostly in the Wolverhampton area of the West Midlands. Some services also operate in the Staffordshire area.-History:...
service 9 (which extends to Lodge Farm
Lodge Farm
The Lodge Farm estate is located in the area of Short Heath in the town of Willenhall, which is in the Metropolitan Borough of Walsall.The estate is centred primarily within the interior loop of Stroud Avenue. It comprises mainly current and former council properties and a smaller number of more...
via Bentley
Bentley
Bentley Motors Limited is a British manufacturer of automobiles founded on 18 January 1919 by Walter Owen Bentley known as W.O. Bentley or just "W O". Bentley had been previously known for his range of rotary aero-engines in World War I, the most famous being the Bentley BR1 as used in later...
), National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands , formerly known as Travel West Midlands , is the trade name of West Midlands Travel Ltd , a company which operates bus services from depots in the cities of Birmingham, and Wolverhampton, as well as the boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall in the West...
route 333 (which extends to Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands, England. For Eurostat purposes Walsall and Wolverhampton is a NUTS 3 region and is one of five boroughs or unitary districts that comprise the "West Midlands" NUTS 2 region...
via Lodge Farm
Lodge Farm
The Lodge Farm estate is located in the area of Short Heath in the town of Willenhall, which is in the Metropolitan Borough of Walsall.The estate is centred primarily within the interior loop of Stroud Avenue. It comprises mainly current and former council properties and a smaller number of more...
& Willenhall
Willenhall
Willenhall is a town in the Black Country area of the West Midlands of England, with a population of approximately 40,000. It is situated between Wolverhampton and Walsall, historically in the county of Staffordshire...
), National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands , formerly known as Travel West Midlands , is the trade name of West Midlands Travel Ltd , a company which operates bus services from depots in the cities of Birmingham, and Wolverhampton, as well as the boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall in the West...
, Finesse Coaches & Sandwell Travel route 334 (which extends to Bilston
Bilston
Bilston is a town in the English county of West Midlands, situated in the southeastern corner of the City of Wolverhampton. Three wards of Wolverhampton City Council cover the town: Bilston East and Bilston North, which almost entirely comprise parts of the historic Borough of Bilston, and...
via Rough Hay) and National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands , formerly known as Travel West Midlands , is the trade name of West Midlands Travel Ltd , a company which operates bus services from depots in the cities of Birmingham, and Wolverhampton, as well as the boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall in the West...
& Midland Bus Company route 339 (which extends to Bilston
Bilston
Bilston is a town in the English county of West Midlands, situated in the southeastern corner of the City of Wolverhampton. Three wards of Wolverhampton City Council cover the town: Bilston East and Bilston North, which almost entirely comprise parts of the historic Borough of Bilston, and...
via Moxley
Moxley
Moxley is a part of Darlaston in the West Midlands. It was first developed during the early part of the 19th century when a handful of terraced houses were built to accommodate locals working in factories and mines and the area was created in 1845 out of land from Darlaston, Bilston and...
).
Present
Services 333E currently links WalsallWalsall
Walsall is a large industrial town in the West Midlands of England. It is located northwest of Birmingham and east of Wolverhampton. Historically a part of Staffordshire, Walsall is a component area of the West Midlands conurbation and part of the Black Country.Walsall is the administrative...
with Darlaston
Darlaston
Darlaston is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Walsall in the West Midlands of England.-History:Archaeological evidence of the history of Darlaston has been destroyed by The de Darlaston family owned Darlaston and lived in the manor between the 12th century and 15th century. When the de...
via Pleck
Pleck
Pleck in the borough of Walsall neighbours Palfrey and stretches from the bridge on Wednesbury Road to Junction 9 of the M6 motorway. It consists of a large green space called Pleck Park and housing estates....
, travelling along the Wednesbury
Wednesbury
Wednesbury is a market town in England's Black Country, part of the Sandwell metropolitan borough in West Midlands, near the source of the River Tame. Similarly to the word Wednesday, it is pronounced .-Pre-Medieval and Medieval times:...
, Walsall
Walsall
Walsall is a large industrial town in the West Midlands of England. It is located northwest of Birmingham and east of Wolverhampton. Historically a part of Staffordshire, Walsall is a component area of the West Midlands conurbation and part of the Black Country.Walsall is the administrative...
and Darlaston
Darlaston
Darlaston is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Walsall in the West Midlands of England.-History:Archaeological evidence of the history of Darlaston has been destroyed by The de Darlaston family owned Darlaston and lived in the manor between the 12th century and 15th century. When the de...
Roads. This is the same route which is followed by buses on services 333, 334 & 339.
The 333E, which was previously numbered the 337, was initially set up in July 2008 as an attempt by NXWM to 'steal' customers back from the increased competition its services 333, 334 & 339 were facing along the corridor, however, this appears to have gone drastically wrong with the introduction of a 'copy-cat' service (338) running at a six-minute frequency from January 2009, operated by A2Z Travel
A2Z Travel
A2Z Travel was a diversified transportation company operating mainly in the Walsall and Wolverhampton areas of the West Midlands in west central England, also providing some bus services in South Staffordshire and Birmingham...
.
However, thanks to a bit of good luck on National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands , formerly known as Travel West Midlands , is the trade name of West Midlands Travel Ltd , a company which operates bus services from depots in the cities of Birmingham, and Wolverhampton, as well as the boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall in the West...
behalf, A2Z Travel
A2Z Travel
A2Z Travel was a diversified transportation company operating mainly in the Walsall and Wolverhampton areas of the West Midlands in west central England, also providing some bus services in South Staffordshire and Birmingham...
had their licence revoked on 31st March 2009, meaning they completely withdrew from the corridor.
It is worth noting that, while operators had withdrawn from the route since the 337 has been introduced, they were instantly replaced by other companies up until early December 2009, when Golden Line withdrew its journeys on the 334 without replacement.
Currently over 15 buses an hour serve the corridor, National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands , formerly known as Travel West Midlands , is the trade name of West Midlands Travel Ltd , a company which operates bus services from depots in the cities of Birmingham, and Wolverhampton, as well as the boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall in the West...
operate their services to a combined six minute frequency, whilst the other operators run their services at a half hourly basis. Evening and Sundays see a drastic reduction in services, just two buses, both run by National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands , formerly known as Travel West Midlands , is the trade name of West Midlands Travel Ltd , a company which operates bus services from depots in the cities of Birmingham, and Wolverhampton, as well as the boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall in the West...
run along the corridor per hour.
The 333E is now operated using Volvo B6LEs. Previously it was operated using MCW Metrobus
MCW Metrobus
The MCW Metrobus is a double decker bus model manufactured by MCW from 1977 until 1989, with over 4,000 examples built. The original MkI model was superseded by the MkII model in 1981/1982, although production of the original MkI continued for London Transport until 1985...
es, with regular appearances from the B6LEs. It is however quite regular to see variety on the route, it is quite regular for Volvo B10L
Volvo B10L
The Volvo B10L is a rear-engined, low-floor single-deck city bus chassis built by Volvo between c. 1993 and c. 2005. An articulated version of the B10L, known as the B10LA, was also produced.-United Kingdom:...
s, Volvo B7RLE
Volvo B7RLE
Volvo B7RLE is a low-floor single-deck citybus launched initially in Australia in 2001, and then in the United Kingdom in 2003 to supplement the B7L single-decker, which was unsuccessful in both countries. It is similar to the B7L's predecessor, the B10BLE...
s and Volvo B7TL
Volvo B7TL
Volvo B7TL is a low-floor double-decker bus which was launched in 1999 and replaced the 2-axle version of Volvo Olympian...
s to appear on the route.
Other National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands , formerly known as Travel West Midlands , is the trade name of West Midlands Travel Ltd , a company which operates bus services from depots in the cities of Birmingham, and Wolverhampton, as well as the boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall in the West...
services along the corridor are operated by Volvo B6LEs, Volvo B7RLE
Volvo B7RLE
Volvo B7RLE is a low-floor single-deck citybus launched initially in Australia in 2001, and then in the United Kingdom in 2003 to supplement the B7L single-decker, which was unsuccessful in both countries. It is similar to the B7L's predecessor, the B10BLE...
s and Volvo B10L
Volvo B10L
The Volvo B10L is a rear-engined, low-floor single-deck city bus chassis built by Volvo between c. 1993 and c. 2005. An articulated version of the B10L, known as the B10LA, was also produced.-United Kingdom:...
s.
Dennis Dart
Dennis Dart
The Dennis Dart is a rear-engined midibus built by Dennis in the United Kingdom. More than 11,000 were built during 18 years of production....
s, (Step-Entrance) operate on all other services on the corridor, with the exception of the 9, which is operated by low floor Darts and also run by Optare Solo
Optare Solo
The Optare Solo is a low-floor midibus manufactured by Optare in Leeds, UK since 1997. The name "Solo" is a play on the low-floor status of the bus, the manufacturer believing its vehicle having an entrance that is "so low" from the floor, namely 200 mm with kneeling suspension.The innovative...
s.
History
- 1998 - National Express West MidlandsNational Express West MidlandsNational Express West Midlands , formerly known as Travel West Midlands , is the trade name of West Midlands Travel Ltd , a company which operates bus services from depots in the cities of Birmingham, and Wolverhampton, as well as the boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall in the West...
(then Travel West Midlands) withdraws the regular daytime journeys between WalsallWalsallWalsall is a large industrial town in the West Midlands of England. It is located northwest of Birmingham and east of Wolverhampton. Historically a part of Staffordshire, Walsall is a component area of the West Midlands conurbation and part of the Black Country.Walsall is the administrative...
and DarlastonDarlastonDarlaston is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Walsall in the West Midlands of England.-History:Archaeological evidence of the history of Darlaston has been destroyed by The de Darlaston family owned Darlaston and lived in the manor between the 12th century and 15th century. When the de...
numbered the 339E. Journeys between these two areas continue during the early morning only until 2008 as 333E's. - 20 July 2008 - National Express West MidlandsNational Express West MidlandsNational Express West Midlands , formerly known as Travel West Midlands , is the trade name of West Midlands Travel Ltd , a company which operates bus services from depots in the cities of Birmingham, and Wolverhampton, as well as the boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall in the West...
introduce service 337 between WalsallWalsallWalsall is a large industrial town in the West Midlands of England. It is located northwest of Birmingham and east of Wolverhampton. Historically a part of Staffordshire, Walsall is a component area of the West Midlands conurbation and part of the Black Country.Walsall is the administrative...
and DarlastonDarlastonDarlaston is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Walsall in the West Midlands of England.-History:Archaeological evidence of the history of Darlaston has been destroyed by The de Darlaston family owned Darlaston and lived in the manor between the 12th century and 15th century. When the de...
. This in an attempt to regain customers back along this corrdior and elminate competition from these routes, which are mostly operated by NXWM. The corrdior is served by Arriva MidlandsArriva MidlandsArriva Midlands is a division of Arriva. It operates bus services around the Midlands area of England and is made up of various previous bus operators.-Arriva Midlands North:...
service 9, NXWM's service 333, NXWM's, Golden Line Buses, Finesse Coaches & Sandwell Travel service 334 and NXWM's and A2Z TravelA2Z TravelA2Z Travel was a diversified transportation company operating mainly in the Walsall and Wolverhampton areas of the West Midlands in west central England, also providing some bus services in South Staffordshire and Birmingham...
service 339. - 19 October 2008 - A2Z TravelA2Z TravelA2Z Travel was a diversified transportation company operating mainly in the Walsall and Wolverhampton areas of the West Midlands in west central England, also providing some bus services in South Staffordshire and Birmingham...
withdraw off the 339, following a loss in custom, however they are instantly replaced by another operator, Midland Bus Company - 25 January 2009 - A2Z TravelA2Z TravelA2Z Travel was a diversified transportation company operating mainly in the Walsall and Wolverhampton areas of the West Midlands in west central England, also providing some bus services in South Staffordshire and Birmingham...
introduce a new service on the 337 route between WalsallWalsallWalsall is a large industrial town in the West Midlands of England. It is located northwest of Birmingham and east of Wolverhampton. Historically a part of Staffordshire, Walsall is a component area of the West Midlands conurbation and part of the Black Country.Walsall is the administrative...
and DarlastonDarlastonDarlaston is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Walsall in the West Midlands of England.-History:Archaeological evidence of the history of Darlaston has been destroyed by The de Darlaston family owned Darlaston and lived in the manor between the 12th century and 15th century. When the de...
, however decide to number the service the 338. This service runs at a 6 minute frequency. - 28 March 2009 - Arriva MidlandsArriva MidlandsArriva Midlands is a division of Arriva. It operates bus services around the Midlands area of England and is made up of various previous bus operators.-Arriva Midlands North:...
withdraw off service 9 (WalsallWalsallWalsall is a large industrial town in the West Midlands of England. It is located northwest of Birmingham and east of Wolverhampton. Historically a part of Staffordshire, Walsall is a component area of the West Midlands conurbation and part of the Black Country.Walsall is the administrative...
- Lodge FarmLodge FarmThe Lodge Farm estate is located in the area of Short Heath in the town of Willenhall, which is in the Metropolitan Borough of Walsall.The estate is centred primarily within the interior loop of Stroud Avenue. It comprises mainly current and former council properties and a smaller number of more...
) after more than 20 years operating the service indirectly via Chase Bus Services. Initially, Choice TravelChoice TravelMidland, previously known as Choice Travel is a limited bus company operating mostly in the Wolverhampton area of the West Midlands. Some services also operate in the Staffordshire area.-History:...
were to take over the route, but they decide not to do so. - 29 March 2009 - A2Z TravelA2Z TravelA2Z Travel was a diversified transportation company operating mainly in the Walsall and Wolverhampton areas of the West Midlands in west central England, also providing some bus services in South Staffordshire and Birmingham...
place a registration to run service 9, in place of certain 338 journeys, however, they number the service 330. It is worth noting they never actually ran on the 330. - 1 April 2009 - A2Z TravelA2Z TravelA2Z Travel was a diversified transportation company operating mainly in the Walsall and Wolverhampton areas of the West Midlands in west central England, also providing some bus services in South Staffordshire and Birmingham...
withdraw all services after their licence is revoked from 23:59 on the 31st March 2009. As a result, from this date the 338 is completely withdrawn, however, Choice TravelChoice TravelMidland, previously known as Choice Travel is a limited bus company operating mostly in the Wolverhampton area of the West Midlands. Some services also operate in the Staffordshire area.-History:...
(since renamed Midland) (who entered into an agreement with A2Z TravelA2Z TravelA2Z Travel was a diversified transportation company operating mainly in the Walsall and Wolverhampton areas of the West Midlands in west central England, also providing some bus services in South Staffordshire and Birmingham...
) start to operate A2Z TravelA2Z TravelA2Z Travel was a diversified transportation company operating mainly in the Walsall and Wolverhampton areas of the West Midlands in west central England, also providing some bus services in South Staffordshire and Birmingham...
s journeys on the number 330, reverting back to the original number of 9. - 29 November 2009 - The 337 is renumbered the 333E. Additionally, Golden Line withdraw their journeys on the 334, a service which follows the same line of route as the 333E between WalsallWalsallWalsall is a large industrial town in the West Midlands of England. It is located northwest of Birmingham and east of Wolverhampton. Historically a part of Staffordshire, Walsall is a component area of the West Midlands conurbation and part of the Black Country.Walsall is the administrative...
and DarlastonDarlastonDarlaston is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Walsall in the West Midlands of England.-History:Archaeological evidence of the history of Darlaston has been destroyed by The de Darlaston family owned Darlaston and lived in the manor between the 12th century and 15th century. When the de...
.