Bus passengers face hike in fares after review

Bus fares are to increase by 8.6% as a result of rising costs faced by bus operators, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) said.

From 15 June, a day ticket will rise by 40p to £5.20; a four-week fare will go up from £64 to £70, and the monthly direct debit fare is to change from £59 to £64.

The fare rise follows an independent review, instigated by bus operators, which recommended the increase and which TfWM was required to introduce. The public body said its monthly and annual bus passes would remain among the lowest in England.

Earlier this month, West Midlands mayor Richard Parker signed an order to bring the region's bus network back under public control for the first time in nearly 40 years.

TfWM said the West Midlands Combined Authority, which it is part of, had agreed to continue the £50m a year funding to "support struggling operators and prevent further reductions in bus services".

Matt Lewis, TfWM commercial director – bus and operations, stated it was a "difficult time for people and money is tight".

The public body had worked hard with "our bus operators to keep these increases to an absolute minimum" and keep its services on the road, he added.

Under a franchise system, the TfWM and regional leaders will take control of routes and timetables and set fares, as well as make long-term investments in services.

Private operators will bid to run services on behalf of TfWM, and this will be introduced in phases from 2027, with the rollout completed during 2029.

Of 3,600 people who took part in a consultation, including organisations, 75% who expressed a preference backed bringing services under public control, the combined authority has said.

The one-off costs of setting up the new operation and designing the network were expected to be £22.5m over three years, it had stated.

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