Consultation opens on future of bus services

Plans for a major transformation of how buses are run in the West Midlands are to be put to the public for their views.

The region's mayor Richard Parker formally launched a consultation on his proposal to introduce a new franchise model for the region on Monday.

Mr Parker said moving from the current private operator-led, deregulated system would give Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) more control over fares, routes and timetables.

"Eighty percent of those who use public transport use the bus network and the bus network is currently failing too many people," he said.

If the model is implemented, bus operators will be able to bid for contracts to run services across the region.

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) currently provides an annual subsidy of around £50m to private operators but this has failed to stop fare increases and service reduction.

It will cost WMCA £22.5m over three years to move from a deregulated network to a franchise, which Mr Parker said a recent assessment had set out "very clearly" would offer the best value for money for operating the bus network.

The consultation will be held over the next three months, with thousands of people expected to be canvassed for their views via the TfWM website and in person.

In December, members of the WMCA board agreed to move to the consultation phase for bus franchising.

But a number of members said that while they agree the current system needs reforming, they wanted to understand all the risks associated with the franchise model.

In response, Mr Parker said: "This is one service that impacts every ward and every constituency and every council.

"We're only doing this for one reason and that is to improve services to our residents and the connectivity they can benefit from.

"There are many hurdles we need to jump yet and this is the start of the process and not the finish."

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