It's your last chance to have your say on proposed shake-up of West Midlands bus services
A consultation into a proposed major shake-up of the West Midlands bus network has entered its last few days.
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Transport for West Midlands has been asking for public views on a proposal to move the region’s bus network to a franchise model from the current private operator led deregulated system since January.
But people are now being told if they want to have their say to do so before “it’s too late” as the consultation ends on March 30.
More than 3,000 people have taken part in the consultation with just over 2,000 of those completing one of two online questionnaires available to fill in.
On social media, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said: “I want a bus network that’s affordable, reliable and serves every community in the West Midlands.
“That’s why we launched a public consultation, but time is running out for you to share your views. Have your say before it’s too late.”
Shortly after his election in May last year, Mr Parker said 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.
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.
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/.
