West Midlands Mayor Unveils Bus Franchising Plans Amid Private Sector Criticism
During a recent West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) joint overview and scrutiny committee meeting, Mayor Richard Parker faced detailed questioning regarding his ambitious strategy to transition the region's bus services from private operator control back into public hands. This move, a key pledge from his 2024 election campaign, has sparked significant debate among local stakeholders.
Mayor Parker's Justification for Change
Mayor Parker was unequivocal in his assessment of the current system, stating to the committee: "We are franchising the bus network out of necessity. The private sector operator has failed this region." He elaborated that despite receiving tens of millions of pounds in annual subsidies, service quality has continued to decline rather than improve. This failure, he argued, directly undermines broader regional goals of increasing opportunity and economic mobility for residents.
Reflecting on his campaign trail experiences, Parker shared a revealing anecdote: "I remember talking to the Chamber of Commerce in Solihull and asked them what was their biggest priority. I didn't imagine them to say 'franchise the buses' but that's exactly what they did." He highlighted a critical issue where job opportunities in prosperous areas like Solihull town centre, the airport, and major employers such as JLR remain inaccessible to young people in the north of the borough due to inadequate transport links.
Community and Business Support for Reform
The Mayor emphasised that his decision is strongly influenced by direct feedback from communities and business leaders across the West Midlands. "I spoke to business groups and the biggest plea to me was to do all I can to improve the bus network," he recounted. This widespread demand for reliable, efficient public transport has been a consistent theme in his engagements, reinforcing the political and practical imperative for change.
Parker pointed to the perceived success of similar franchising models elsewhere, notably stating: "It has been such a great success in Greater Manchester, and that's exactly why it will be a great success here too." He envisions franchising as an opportunity to fundamentally redesign the bus network, creating timetables that align with local shift patterns and the broader needs of the West Midlands economy.
Scrutiny and the Path Forward
Not all responses have been uniformly positive. Coventry councillor Pervez Akhtar expressed disquiet over the plans during the meeting, seeking firm reassurances that the transition process would deliver the promised benefits to passengers and communities. This scrutiny underscores the complex challenges involved in overhauling a critical public service.
Addressing these concerns, Mayor Parker outlined the preparatory work underway: "There is a lot of work to be done to get there. We're working very closely with the Department for Transport to ensure best practice." He expressed confidence in the progress made so far, noting that his team has the necessary budgets in place to deliver on this significant policy objective. The coming months will be crucial as detailed plans are developed and subjected to further public and political examination.
