New data reveals a significant rise in public transport use across the West Midlands, with more people opting for buses, trains, and trams, while car usage has declined slightly.
The “West Midlands State of the Region 2026” report highlights a substantial increase in bus, train, and tram boardings within Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton in recent years.
According to the report, Birmingham leads the region with the highest number of jobs accessible within a 45-minute journey by all forms of transport. However, the picture is mixed across other areas within the West Midlands.
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These findings will be discussed at the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Local Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, 7 September.
Between 2021/22 and 2023/24, car travel in the WMCA area declined from 66 per cent to 64 per cent, while public transport use edged up from seven per cent to eight per cent. Additionally, the proportion of people walking rose from 23 per cent to 25 per cent during the same period.
The report also cites encouraging growth in boardings: bus journeys increased from 175 million to 247 million; tram boardings doubled from five million to nine million; and rail usage rose markedly from 45 million to 66 million between 2021/22 and 2024/25.
In terms of job access within 45 minutes by bus, tram, or train, the report describes the results as uneven, with employment opportunities concentrated heavily in the region’s core.
The number of accessible jobs in the WMCA and surrounding areas has grown from 135,475 in 2023 to 153,348 in 2024 and 168,606 in 2025.
Birmingham recorded the highest median number of accessible jobs at 309,071, followed by Sandwell with 283,998. These figures are 83 per cent and 68 per cent above the WMCA average, respectively.
Conversely, the other five local authorities fall below the average: Dudley (91,926) shows the lowest accessibility; Coventry (128,567), Solihull (133,552), Walsall (118,640), and Wolverhampton (119,818) also trail by 20–30 per cent. The report notes these disparities reflect persistent spatial inequalities in employment access.
The document underscores the importance of a robust public transport system, stating: “Connected communities are essential for fostering social cohesion, support networks, and resilience. These communities are characterised by inclusive accessibility-encompassing physical, digital, and social connections-that enable individuals to access essential resources, participate in active travel, and enjoy public green spaces.
“Strong, interconnected communities promote higher life satisfaction, happiness, and equitable access to opportunities, supporting a healthier, more prosperous society. By prioritising better connectivity across transport modes, digital infrastructure, and inclusive community design, we can address inequalities, enhance mobility, and create environments where everyone can thrive.”