Franchising: What you gain on the swings you lose on the roundabouts

TfWM said eight in ten public transport journeys in the West Midlands were by bus which accounted for more than 240 million passenger journeys during 2024. It is estimated the network contributes £4.4 billion a year to the regional economy.

Currently, TfWM pays £50 million a year in top up funding to keep commercial bus services on the road but control of routes, timetables and some fares still rests with the operators such as National Express which runs the majority of services in the West Midlands.

If approved, it is estimated the transition will cost the authority £22 million with the roll of franchised bus services starting in 2027.

In addition, it will be necessary to buy buses and depots, funded through borrowing and paid back with future fare income.