Bus network major revamp is agreed after consultation

BUSES will be run for “public good and not private profits” as plans for a major revamp of the West Midlands network was agreed.

- GURDIP THANDI News Reporter

Mayor Richard Parker signed the landmark decision following a meet-ing of the West Midlands Combined Authority Board last Friday.

He had set out his vision to move away from the private operator led existing service and bring it back under public control shortly after he was elected.

A consultation held between Janu-ary and March drew more than 3,000 responses with the majority backing plans to transform the service.

Mr Parker said franchising will ensure passengers have control over fares, routes and timetables.

The first franchised services are expected to start rolling out in late 2027 with the whole process due to be completed in 2029.

A series of contracts to run servic-es will be awarded to private bus operators to run them.

There are expected to be nine local area franchises with three rolled out each year from 2027 to 2029, with a number of smaller single route con-tracts available to encourage smaller bus operators to bid.