Worcester Network question - mid-1970s

[AdamH]

Can anyone with a long memory answer a question for me...

When did the rather confusing group of route with W53-W57 numbers come about? I know it was before March 1976 and after May 1972, but I'm otherwise stumped.

And for the second part of my question... what the hell were they thinking!? I was a bus driver in Worcester for 24-years so I'd like to think I know my way around the city routes, but it seems to me the plan with those routes was to have everything start on Bath Road, sling-shot around Warndon, before ending up somewhere in St John's. No wonder people stopped using buses!

Any information about when and why would be gratefully received. Thanks.

[GordonS]

50 years ago yesterday the city bus routes changed. My local one was Green Lane, London Road, Prestwich Avenue, Ronkswood, Comer, Dines Green and then the reverse route, a 2 hour round trip.

[AdamH]

Gordon, yes I saw your post on Facebook and find it rather staggering that I chose to ask the question about the date on the 50th anniversary of the changes coming into effect. I honestly had no idea, and that will be remembered as one of life's great coincidences.

Meanwhile, the reason I asked is because I have been working on some updates for this website, and have focused on documenting the local Worcester network. So far I've only done a few routes, and progress is slow, but if you'd like to proof read and maybe contribute with additional information, the index can be found on the Service W1 page here... https://midlandred.net/service/informat ... e=overview

[AdamH]

Within an hour of my last post there was a knock on my door and Mr DD12 was stood there with a number of Worcester timetables from the period in question. Thank you very much, sir. Even a quick glance has confirmed that these will answer some of the questions I have... and correct at least one of the errors I made!

[DD12]

Thanks very much Adam for your continuing efforts and time, and making this website a treasure trove of info.

I like the fact that it continues to exist as a tribute to all the people who worked in the business, and all the people who went about their daily lives via MIDLAND RED.

[AdamH]

I've been doing quite a lot of research into the original Worcester network from 1928, and I've recently got my crayons out and drawn a map. A bit of educated guesswork has been used to fill in some of the blanks, so if anyone spots an error please shot!

https://midlandred.net/map_project/Worcester_1928.pdf

[DD12]

THANKS ADAM -- A wonderful treasure trove of information by clicking on W1.

It's really lucky for anyone (like me) who grew up in Worcester, that you have done this work !

If you are thinking of publishing a book, I'll buy it, and a book would likely trigger corrective and supplemental information (-ready for a second edition !)

[AdamH]

Thanks for the kind comments.

With all the information I've put on this website over the years, it would easily fill a book. However, the problem with a book that I can't go back and correct my mistakes after the fact. That's easy with a website, I just make the changes an hope nobody notices!

The W1 page got a significant rewrite over the weekend, triggered by that information you posted through my door last week. Thank you. I also ended up writing a brief history of the Bromwich Road services before and during the war. Not sure why, but search for Service 361 for that. It's not finished yet.

[MattW]

Excellent work mate! So much detail but it's easy to read.
The thing that amazes me is the frequency - some routes running every eight minutes from 7 in the morning to 11 at night! Different times back then for sure! Not with the amount of cars on the road these days.