BUS FARES across the West Midlands will be frozen at their current prices until 2025 under new plans to help passengers with the cost of living.
This means that people will be able to hop on and off the region’s buses all day for the same price they would have paid in 2013 – currently £4.20 for a multi-operator day ticket.
The fare freeze is just one part of a wide ranging £88million Bus Service Improvement Plan, which is being delivered to drive up passenger numbers and reduce private car use over the next three years.
The Bus Service Improvement Plan has been developed by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in partnership with the region’s bus operators.
David Bradford, managing director of National Express West Midlands, said: “If you’re an average commuter, you will save £250 next year thanks to these frozen fares.
“We know how tough things are at the moment and we’re pleased to be working with WMCA to help our customers in any way we can.
“As well as being better value than ever, it’s also simpler than ever: just tap on with your contactless card – there’s no more need to find the exact change.”
In addition to the £88million investment in services, the region is also developing new infrastructure and introducing new vehicles.
The first electric bus is set to hit the streets of Coventry in the coming week say the WMCA, this is part of the All Electric Bus City project which aims to get every bus in the city is a zero-emission electric vehicle by 2025.
The region is also planning the development of the UK’s largest hydrogen bus fleet, with 124 set to enter service over the next two years.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA said: “This is a genuine success story given the fuel price rises and broader cost of living challenges facing many of our fellow local residents at this time.
“So I encourage people to leave the car and give the bus a go as not only is it great value for money, it’s also better for the environment.
“Supported by the Government funded Bus Service Improvement Plan, together we can help passenger numbers build back up post pandemic.”
