West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has announced that it has kickstarted the transition process towards franchised bus services – replacing the current private operator-led network.
The first public controlled services, which are likely to include a non-stop Sprint service from Walsall to Solihull via Birmingham city centre, are expected to start rolling out in late 2027, with the whole process finished during 2029.
Under franchising, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the WMCA, will set the fares, timetables and routes of bus services and award a series of contracts to private bus operators to run them.
This means that the politically accountable mayor and regional leaders, through TfWM, will be able to design a network which best serves residents and businesses.
With 236 million journeys last year, WMCA reports that buses account for eight in ten public transport trips.
A consultation earlier this year found 75% of residents and organisations who expressed a preference were in support of franchising. This included a majority of bus operators and local councils.
The one-off costs of setting up the new franchised operation and designing the new network is expected to be £22.5m over three years.
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Bus depots, the WMCA already owns one in Walsall, and a fleet of more than 1,000 buses will also be needed – either bought outright or leased using either the authority’s transport grants or borrowing through fare income.
TfWM reports that the private operator-led bus network has struggled with rising costs in recent years and is currently being propped up with £50m a year of taxpayers’ money to prevent more services from being cut.
Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker said: “For too long, our buses have been run for private profits, not public good. Today, that changes.
“The public have been clear – they want a better bus service under public control, and I’ve heard them loud and clear. I promised to take back control of our buses – and today’s decision shows we’re delivering on that promise.
“The work is now underway, and over the next two years we’ll create a bus network that puts passengers first – reliable, affordable and run in the interests of the people that use them.”
Achievements in public transport will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
