The process for franchising bus services in the West Midlands is hoped to begin in 2025, with the first such services starting around two years later under plans announced by newly elected mayor Richard Parker.
Mr Parker narrowly saw off incumbent Andy Street at the recent mayoral elections. He was one of a number of Labour candidates in several areas who ahead of those polls made clear in their manifestos that bus franchising in their respective regions is a priority.
It has now been directed that a report setting out a roadmap for franchising the region’s bus services should be put before the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). It is to include estimated set-up and running costs and will be discussed by the WMCA board in July.
Mr Parker adds that WMCA is already talking with Labour leaders around simplification of the existing statutory franchising process should the party form the next government. The expected timescale laid out for the West Midlands is based on current legislation.
The new mayor says that the bus network in the West Midlands “is broken, and that is why we want to take back control.” An assessment of future options for the region’s bus network was commissions by WMCA in 2023.
In a bold statement, the Combined Authority claims that Transport for the West Midlands (TfWM) “is covering about half the running costs of bus services” already. Further detail on how that figure has been arrived at has been requested from TfWM.
WMCA says it has spent over £75 million on bus subsidies in 18 months. The current package is in place until the end of 2024. TfWM is currently in talks with the government and operators over a continuation to prevent service cuts or fare increases from that point.
Speaking about Mr Parker’s plans for franchising, TfWM Director of Integrated Network Services Pete Bond says: “We now have a bus network that 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.
“It will also highlight if further customer benefits can be made, such as improved ticketing and fares and passenger information, as well as further integration with tram and rail services.”
