Bus network to come back under public control

Transport for West Midlands will set fares, timetables and routes and award contracts

The West Midlands mayor has signed an order that will bring the region's bus network back under public control for the first time in almost 40 years.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) will set fares, timetables and routes and award contracts to private operators.

There were expected to be nine local area franchises and the first public-controlled services were expected in late 2027, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) said.

Mayor Richard Parker said: "For too long, our buses have been run for private profits, not public good. Today, that changes."

He added "a bus network that puts passengers first" and was reliable and affordable would be created.

The WMCA said that of 3,600 people who took part in a consultation, including organisations, 75% who expressed a preference backed bringing services under public control.

On Friday, the authority said the decision had kick-started the transition process towards franchised services, replacing the private operator-led network.

Three local area franchises were expected to be rolled out each year from 2027 to 2029, "plus a number of smaller single route contracts to encourage smaller bus operators to bid".

The one-off costs of setting up the new operation and designing the network were expected to be £22.5m over three years, the WMCA said.

Mayor Richard Parker said a bus network that put passengers first would be created

It stated bus depots and a fleet of more than 1,000 buses would be needed – either bought or leased using the authority's transport grants or borrowing through fare income.

The private operator-led bus network had struggled with rising costs in recent years and was being "propped up" with £50m a year of taxpayers' money to prevent more services from being cut, the WMCA said.

It added that last year an independent audit found through increased competition among operators franchising would offer "better value for money – whatever the level of public funding".

Bus strategy and commercial director at operator National Express West Midlands Antony Goozee said it recognised the ambitions of the mayor and WMCA to "significantly invest" and develop an operating model that "maximises value for public investment".

He added it was fully committed to working collaboratively to deliver high-quality bus services, "supporting a smooth and effective transition".