Major shake-up for West Midlands buses given green light as bosses agree to bring services into public control

Mayor Richard Parker signed the landmark decision following a meeting of the West Midlands Combined Authority Board on Friday (May 9).

He had set out his vision to move away from the private operator led existing service and bring it back under public control shortly after he was elected.

A consultation held between January and March drew more than 3,000 responses with the majority backing plans to transform the service.

Mr Parker said franchising will ensure passengers have control over fares, routes and timetables.

The first franchised services are expected to start rolling out in late 2027 with the whole process due to be completed in 2029.

A series of contracts to run services will be awarded to private bus operators to run them.

There are expected to be nine local area franchises with three rolled out each year from 2027 to 2029, with a number of smaller single route contracts available to encourage smaller bus operators to bid.

At the Board meeting, council leaders from across the region said there was a need to improve services for residents.

But they urged regular scrutiny needs to take place throughout the process and ensure all risks associated with the transfer are understood.

The Mayor said: “For too long, our buses have been run for private profits, not public good. Today, that changes.

“The public have been clear – they want a better bus service under public control, and I’ve heard them loud and clear. I promised to take back control of our buses – and today’s decision shows we’re delivering on that promise.

“The work is now under way, and over the next two years we’ll create a bus network that puts passengers first – reliable, affordable and run in the interests of the people that use them.”

There will be one off costs of £22.5 million over three years to set up and design the new network.

Bus depots and more than 1,000 buses will also need to be bought or leased through transport authority grants or borrowing through fare income.

Around 236 million journeys were made by bus last year, accounting for 80 per cent of public transport trips.

The Combined Authority currently subsidises the existing deregulated model with £50 million per year just to ensure services are not axed as private operators struggle with costs.

Bosses said franchising would open up contracts to a wider range of operators and increase competition – something an independent audit last year concluded would provide better value for money.

Antony Goozee, Bus Strategy and Commercial Director at National Express West Midlands, said: “As a leading bus operator in the West Midlands, we take great pride in running bus services in the region, carrying more than 4.5 million passengers every week.

“We recognise the ambitions of the Mayor and the West Midlands Combined Authority to significantly invest in the bus network and develop a new operating model that maximises value for public investment, enhances mobility, and supports economic growth across the region.

“Our long-standing and successful partnership with Transport for West Midlands is something we greatly value.

“Drawing on decades of experience, we remain fully committed to working collaboratively to deliver high-quality bus services, supporting a smooth and effective transition to the new franchising model as well as continuing to improve our service excellence well into the future.”