Three-quarters of people back plan for public control of bus network

The proposal by Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands to take back control of the region’s bus network has been overwhelmingly backed in a a wide-ranging consultation.

More than 3,600 responses from residents, businesses and organisations were collected over three-months. Of those who gave a preference, 75% were in favour of putting services under public control, also known as franchising, to create an affordable and reliable bus network.

The results are published ahead of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board meeting next week at which the Mayor will make a landmark decision on whether to franchise the region’s bus services.

The private operator led network has struggled with rising costs in recent years, and so the WMCA is currently spending over £50 million a year to prevent services being reduced and fares increased further. In addition, the WMCA is also making  major ongoing investments in electric buses, bus stations and new bus priority routes to improve journeys for passengers.

Mayor Richard Parker launched the bus reform consultation in January

The Mayor said: “Despite getting millions of pounds in taxpayers money each year the bus network is still letting people down. Passengers tell me services are unreliable and don’t always offer the routes or timetables they need.

“When I was elected to office I made it clear I believed that bringing our buses under public control would help us reduce traffic congestion, clean up our air, support our businesses and keep the region moving.

“My priority is to deliver a bus network that works for everyone which is why I launched this consultation. The results show people agree that we can, and must, do better.”

With 236 million journeys last year, bus is by far the most popular form of public transport in the region and, according to experts, every £1 invested in bus services generates £12 for the local economy.

Under franchising, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the WMCA, would set the fares, timetables and routes of bus services and award contracts to private bus operators to run them. It means that the politically accountable Mayor and regional leaders, through TfWM, can design a network which best serves residents and businesses.

The report also confirms that there will be £22.5m one-off costs over the next three years for the transition towards a franchise network. This does not include the purchase or lease of depots and buses which would pass from bus operators to TfWM and be funded through either the authority’s transport grants or low-cost borrowing financed through fare income. 

If the move is approved, the rollout of franchised bus services is expected to begin in 2027.