THE WEST Midlands is set to receive around £50million in government funding to improve bus services in 2026.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh confirmed around £712million in funding will be given to local authorities across the country to improve services on top of funding for bus operators to keep fares down.
West Midlands Combined Authority is set to get £49,983,869 from the overall pot.
The government say every region in England will benefit from the funding, but those areas which have been historically underserved are being particularly prioritised.
The investment has been designated to enhance popular routes, protect rural services and increase bus use for shopping, socialising and commuting.
It will prevent service reductions on at-risk routes and improve punctuality across England, to bring an end to the current postcode lottery of unreliable services.
The government said this funding settlement will mean many more urban areas will be able to maintain their high levels of service – while other areas will be able to offer more services.
And it represents a record level of recent investment for bus improvements for the majority of areas, alongside once-in-a-generation reform to deliver London-style bus services to every corner of the country.
The Department for Transport say the way funding is allocated has been reformed, meaning it will be allocated based on place need, levels of deprivation and population. This will stop areas competing for funding as in previous years, which in turn wastes resources and delays decisions.
This investment will ensure that lifeline services between towns and hospitals can continue transporting patients to vital appointments.
The Transport Secretary said: “The value of regular and reliable bus services cannot be understated.
“For far too long, the West Midlands has been suffering from unreliable services with buses hugely delayed, or not even turning up at all.
“This funding kickstarts the bus revolution to bring an end to the postcode lottery of bus services, drive economic growth and make sure people have proper access to jobs and opportunities.
“We’ve already committed over £150million to extend the bus fare cap and keep fares low and this nearly £1billion of further funding will mean local routes are protected, reliability is improved and the passenger is put first.”
Buses remain the most relied on form of public transport and the Government is turning the tide on decades of failed deregulation.
The Buses Bill will be introduced in this parliamentary session and will give leaders across England greater control to deliver bus services in a way that suits the needs of their communities.
Local authorities will be empowered to deliver modern and integrated bus networks that put passengers at the heart of local decision making.
