BUS SERVICES across the region could be under public control from 2027 – says the West Midlands Mayor.
The plans would see services run on a franchise model with routes, timetables, fares and other standards, such as a commitment to zero-emission vehicles, set by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
This comes after the WMCA Board agreed to an independent audit of the franchise assessment and a public consultation later this year based on the conclusion of a study which found franchising the region’s bus services offered the best value for money.
The WMCA say a final decision could be made as soon as the end of March 2025, following a rigorous process set by Government legislation.
The WMCA pays approximately £50million a year in additional subsidies to private operators to run services but has been unable to stop fares rising and services being reduced.
This is in addition to over £100m a year the Government and WMCA are paying to support some contracted bus services, the £2 single fare, and other contributions and concessions in the West Midlands.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “With 232 million journeys across our region last year, it is clear that buses are the backbone of our public transport network.
“Without them, our residents cannot access essential services like schools, pharmacies, doctors’ surgeries or employment opportunities.
“I want the West Midlands to have a bus network that is affordable, accessible and works for all of our residents.
“One of my big campaign pledges was to deliver a better bus network, one that is designed for those who use it and rely on it.
“We are taking a major step toward delivering just that. Our internal assessment has shown that franchising is the best option for the region, and now we will be clarifying these findings, with a view to rolling out the first publicly controlled buses on our streets in 2027.”
Following the final approval it is estimated there will be a two-year transition during which the new bus network will be designed and contracts tendered.
The transition itself is estimated to cost around £22million.
The assessment also recommends that TfWM take greater ownership in bus depots to ensure greater competition between operators bidding for contracts and allow easy access to electric charging infrastructure as it becomes more common place.
Under the current system the taxpayer can invest millions in electric infrastructure in depots and the operator is under no obligation to pass that back to the transport authority if it ceases to continue.
