Poor public transport hits night economy - report

National Express West Midlands says it offers a "comprehensive evening bus network"

A lack of public transport is having an impact on the West Midlands' night-time economy, a report from a university researcher suggests.

Dr Patrycja Rozbicka at Aston University found 40% of audiences took public transport to events, but only 18% used it for return journeys due to poor late-night services. Train services were also unreliable after 22:00, according to her report.

West Midlands Railway (WMR) said it was investing £1bn into enhancing its fleets, infrastructure and stations, bringing new jobs and improving services.

National Express West Midlands stated bus services "typically run until 1am on most of the key corridors".

Areas like Digbeth, Solihull and Stratford-upon-Avon were poorly connected by public transport, the university said.

The study by Dr Rozbicka, from the university's Society and Politics department, is part of the Live Music Mapping project in cooperation with other organisations.

It focused on transport use to and from evening cultural events, such as concerts, theatre and gigs, and looks at ticketholders and venue staff.

'Vital role'

Following the politics, history and international relations lecturer's report, the university said findings suggested single-occupancy car use was dominant.

It stated they suggested train services were preferred for long-distance travel but were unreliable after 22:00, and employers faced recruitment and retention issues "due to poor transport options".

WMR said it understood "the vital role public transport plays in supporting a strong local economy".

A WMR spokesperson added its timetables were based on demand and viability.

All services must be agreed in partnership with other operators, Network Rail and West Midlands Rail Executive, they stated.

"For large events, we work closely with organisers to introduce additional services so passengers can travel comfortably via public transport to and from venues."

National Express West Midlands said the majority of its network runs until midnight.

It stated it offered a "comprehensive evening bus network, providing reliable, safe, and accessible public transport" in off-peak hours to meet the diverse needs of the region.

A spokesperson said on a typical weekday it carried about 5,000 passengers after 23:00 and 7,000 on a weekend, "transporting people to participate in evening activities like concerts and also supporting workers in the hospitality industry".