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Would a London-style bus system make our network run on time? Everything we know so far
The West Midlands bus network could be removed from the control of private companies and into the hands of councils depending on the outcome of an investigation. With users on some routes complaining of long delays, cancellations, and ‘phantom’ buses – those scheduled but which never turn up – many people want change in a region where 25 per cent of residents have no option but a bus.
The West Midlands Combined Authority launched an assessment to consider the option of ‘bus franchising’ in February and today, Tuesday, June 13, Birmingham councillors debated the issue, with Lib Dems, Greens, and Labour in favour. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has set out the context and options for the future of West Midlands buses so residents know what’s going on.
How are West Midlands buses currently run?
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Currently buses are run by private companies with National Express West Midlands operating more than 90 per cent of routes – but some councillors want a ‘London-style’ transport system, run by the WMCA.
With bus usage lower than it was before covid and high inflation pushing up fuel costs, private firms have cut back their services and fewer are bidding for public contracts.
Although the government has stepped in with funding to encourage bus use by keeping most single fares at £2 until November and then £2.50 until November 2024, a more permanent change is being considered.
What is a ‘London-style’ transport system?
London’s buses are run by Transport for London (TfL), a local government body, whereas all regional bus networks have been deregulated since 1986.
In 2017, the government gave combined authorities powers to implement ‘bus franchising’ where they run the overall network and pay companies to operate their services.
Greater Manchester has taken the plunge with its locally-run bus services starting in September following a prolonged legal battle between the combined authority and bus companies which opposed the plans.
What are the options?
In 2017 the government also gave the option to implement an ‘enhanced bus partnership’ where operators agree aims and actions to improve services. The WMCA started this model in June 2021 with the A34/A45 Sprint route between Walsall and Solihull before expanding across the West Midlands in 2022.
The keyword here is ‘agree’ as National Express and others have willingly entered into the partnership but ‘bus franchising’ would go a step further and force them to comply even when they don’t want to. Senior WMCA officers have suggested that, if efforts to improve buses under this model work, franchising would not be neccessary.
An assessment to analyse if franchising is a good option for the region was launched in Feburary with the WMCA board set to consider the results in June 2024 and Mayor Andy Street given the final say.
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