More cash to protect bus routes from chop

WEST Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has dismissed the region’s bus network as “failing” after it was agreed to “prop up” the system with more funding.

- GURDIP THANDI

Members of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) board agreed an extension of the Bus Network Support Grant which provides financial support to operators.

This means the existing agreement will be extended from April 1 to April 30 before a new arrangement is put in place covering May 1 to December 31.

But, after the meeting, Mr Parker reiterated his pledge to overhaul the bus network and introduce a franchising system - to replace the current deregulated model - which will bring control of the routes, timetables and fares back under public control.