West Midlands Mayor launches consultation surrounding bus services

West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker, has opened public consultation regarding proposed reforms to the region’s bus services.

The consultation was officially launched on 6 January.

Taking place in person and on Transport for West Midland’s (TfWM) website over the next three months, thousands of people are anticipated to take part.

Parker, who was narrowly elected in May’s local elections, has continuously advocated for ‘bus franchising’.

The policy would replace the current ‘deregulated’ system – where private operators set routes, standards, and fares – with one where they are controlled by TfWM.

An independent audit concluded that bus franchising would lead to ‘better value for money’ and ‘improved services’

However, bus services would still be privately run, with TfWM issuing contracts for operators to bid on.

The model is currently in place in the Greater London and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities. The Liverpool City Region, South Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire areas are set to introduce the model in the years ahead.

Currently, the West Midlands Combined Authority provides £50m of subsidy to bus operators. Despite this, fare hikes and service reductions have mounted throughout the region.

Parker has argued that the current system is “letting people down” and is “often unreliable”.

He noted: “That is why I pledged to make the region’s buses work for its people and this consultation is a big step towards delivering on that.”

In December, an independent audit concluded that bus franchising would lead to “better value for money” and “improved services”. This motivated members of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s board to assent to public consultation on the model.

“We recognise and respect the right of local authorities to consider other ways of delivering bus services”

Stagecoach Midlands

However, members of the board are seeking greater clarity regarding the risks associated with bus franchising.

In response to the consultation, National Express said: “Whether we deliver [an effective bus network] through a partnership or move to a franchising system, National Express West Midlands shares the goal of delivering a high-quality service for our customers and stakeholders.”

The company noted it took “great pride” in running the West Midland’s bus services.

Stagecoach Midlands stated: “We recognise and respect the right of local authorities to consider other ways of delivering bus services and deciding what is the best method for them.

“We will be responding to the consultation to give our thoughts about how franchising of bus services could deliver benefits for bus users and best support communities.”