The West Midlands is set to benefit from a major government investment aimed at revolutionizing bus travel across the region. A substantial £264.1 million funding package has been announced to improve bus services, making them faster, cheaper, and more reliable for millions of passengers.
Local authorities will have full discretion over how the funding is used, enabling tailored solutions suited to their communities’ needs. For instance, schemes such as Worcestershire’s pioneering £2 bus fare could become more widespread.
This multi-year settlement marks a significant step forward for the region, providing local councils with the financial certainty they have long needed to plan and implement long-term improvements. It comes in the wake of the Bus Services Act, which grants local authorities greater powers to manage routes and protect socially necessary services.
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Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasised the impact of the investment, stating: “After years of decline, better buses are finally on the way. Our £3 billion investment will give local authorities the long-term funding they need to deliver lower fares, more frequent services, and the reliable transport that communities depend on.”
The government’s wider strategy includes freezing rail fares for the first time in 30 years and modernising public transport through initiatives like Great British Railways. These efforts collectively aim to reduce the cost of living and bolster economic growth by making travel affordable and accessible.
Minister for Roads and Buses Simon Lightwood highlighted the longstanding challenges faced by passengers: “For too long, passengers have been let down by unreliable services, sub-standard bus stations, and route cuts. This £3 billion boost will change that, offering safer journeys and more dependable, affordable services.”
The funding aligns various streams into a clear, consolidated source, ensuring sustainable annual investment in the West Midlands until 2028/29. Crucially, it empowers local leadership to shape bus services that best suit regional needs, reflecting the Government’s commitment to prioritize people over profits.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker welcomed the funding, reaffirming his commitment to keeping bus travel affordable and accessible: “Thousands rely on our bus network daily. This investment helps us keep fares low, improve services, and ensure passengers come first.”
This announcement forms part of a comprehensive plan to modernise public transport, reducing financial barriers and supporting economic opportunities for working people across the region.