Photo: WMCA

West Midlands mayor to launch bus franchise system

22 May 2024

by Christopher Carey

Newly elected West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has outlined plans to reform bus services across the UK region by bringing day-to-day operations under public control.

As part of his election campaign, Parker pledged to create a franchise system where public authorities would regain control over timetables, routes and fares while private contractors own and run vehicles across the region – which includes the cities of Birmingham and Coventry.

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which oversees Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), has provided £75 million (US$95.42 million) in subsidies to such contractors during the last 18 months, something Parker said was “unsustainable”.

“Our bus network is broken and that is why we want to take back control so that it serves the people, communities and businesses who rely on regular, affordable and reliable bus services,” said Parker.

“I have directed our officers to put a report before the WMCA Board at the earliest opportunity to set out a roadmap for franchising the region’s bus services as quickly as possible and to get us ready to start that transition in 2025.

“We will consult communities and businesses, to create a network which enables people to get to work, school, college or hospital providing access to essential services through an affordable alternative to the car and reducing traffic congestion.”

Franchise model

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in the West Midlands, accounting for five million passenger journeys per week.

Although TfWM is currently covering about half the running costs of bus services, private bus operators make decisions about routes, fares and timetables.

Under the franchised model TfWM will decide these and award contracts to operators to run services to set specifications.

The transition could begin in early 2025, with the first franchised services operating approximately two years after that.

While exact figures have not been revealed, it has been estimated the move could cost £25 million.

Pete Bond, Director of Integrated Network Services for TfWM, said: “We now have a bus network which requires a long-term subsidy and so the current approach, in which we tender a number of socially necessary services on a case-by-case basis, may no longer be fit for purpose.

“This work requested by the mayor will show if there are improved efficiencies and benefits from franchising, and if we can get better value for money for the taxpayer as well as shape the bus network by using funding in a more coordinated and efficient way.”

Image: WMCA

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