Three weeks left to have your say on changes to West Midlands bus services
Just over three weeks remain for people to have their say on potential major changes to how the bus network is run in the West Midlands.
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Transport for West Midlands is currently holding a formal consultation on a proposal to move the region’s bus network to a franchise model from the current private operator led deregulated system.
Online, the consultation – which runs until March 30 – gives people the chance to answer a short questionnaire with nine questions or a longer one with 43.
So far, more than 1,300 people have filled out the short questionnaire while more than 275 have completed the longer survey giving a range of views on the plans.
Shortly after his election in May last year, Mayor Richard Parker outlined his vision for bus reform, saying moving to a franchise model from the current deregulated one would give Transport for West Midlands more control over fares, routes and timetables.
West Midlands Combined Authority currently provides an annual subsidy of around £50 million to private operators but this has failed to stop fare increases and service reduction.
If the current deregulated model was retained, privately owned operators would continue to run operations, deciding on routes, timetables and fares, which would be retained by the companies.
If a franchising scheme was brought in, Transport for West Midlands would take control of routes, timetables, fares and quality standards.
It would award contracts to operators to run services in line with agreed service specifications and performance measures, while all fares revenue retained by WMCA to reinvest in the network.
WMCA said, if it retained the current model, passenger journeys are forecast to decrease from 167 million journeys in 2027/2028, to 100 million in 2041/2042 due to decreasing demand.
As a result of reduced passenger numbers, the WMCA said viability of commercial services would reduce resulted in a need for further subsidies from WMCA.
The WMCA said changing the existing system would bring about a number of positive developments including:
“Enabling ‘quick win’ improvements for passengers, such as an enhanced network, changes to fares, and improved fleet, without additional public-sector funding.
“Allowing TfWM to efficiently manage the West Midlands Bus Network on a day-to-day basis, and deliver more services for the same current level of public subsidy.
“Supporting the ability for bus reform to enable ‘transformational’ changes to the network, such as higher frequencies, new routes, and greater integration with rail and Metro.”
People will be able to take part in the online consultation by visiting the Transport for West Midlands website at https://www.tfwm.org.uk/consultations/bus-reform/.
