Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has committed to delivering a minimum standard of service via a new West Midlands Bus Passenger Charter.
It includes a “last bus promise” by which passengers whose final service of the day is cancelled or leaves early can claim compensation for an alternative means of travel. It also outlines the responsibilities of the region’s team of Transport Safety Officers.
Under the charter, TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), also details levels of service with regards to service changes and making it as easy as possible to plan journeys and buy tickets. Developed as part of the region’s Enhanced Partnership, it was drawn up by the West Midlands Bus Alliance (WMBA), which includes TfWM, bus operators and the watchdog Transport Focus.
WMBA chair Linda McCord says: “This new bus charter represents a clear commitment from bus operators and the transport authorities to the region’s many thousands of bus passengers.
“Whether on board buses, at bus stations or at bus stops, the charter sets out what you can expect from levels of cleanliness to travel and ticket information.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, adds: “Buses are the backbone of our public transport network – providing a vital daily service for hundreds of thousands of local people right across our region at the same time as helping us to tackle the climate emergency and reduce traffic congestion on our roads.
“And, as a transport authority working with our operators, we have taken great steps to both protect our network, set some of the lowest fares in the UK and invest in high quality vehicles and infrastructure – such as our bus stations and routes – to make buses even more attractive to passengers.
“The charter builds on this track record with key commitments to improve safety and reassure passengers including staff visibility at our bus stations and daily patrols by our Transport Safety Officers.”
