Plans to overhaul bus network move forward

AUTHORITY BIDDING TO BUY REGION'S DEPOTS TO IMPROVE SERVICE

- GURDIP THANDI Local Democracy Reporter

A MAJOR overhaul of the West Midlands’ bus network is set to move a step closer with the purchase of depots across the region.

Members of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board were meeting this week to discuss bus depot acquisition and were expected to agree to move forward with the plan.

The costs of acquiring bus depots was being discussed in private but a report to the board said the business case showed a positive cost-to-benefit ratio for progressing the plan.

The strategy is part of West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker's bid to bring buses back under public control through a franchising model.

Mr Parker previously described the existing bus network as “failing” and said franchising would give people greater control over fares, timetables and routes.