Millions of people in the West Midlands will continue to have access to vital bus services after a partnership between the government and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) was confirmed today. The agreement will bring the local bus network under public control.
This decision follows an indication from National Express, the parent company of a local operator, that it would exit the market. This move had placed the majority of bus journeys in the West Midlands at risk.
The government will provide £11.5 million in new funding over the next three years to support the WMCA in saving these services. This funding will assist in the transition to public control, helping to protect routes and around 4,800 jobs, while keeping up to 750 buses on the road daily.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that this action demonstrates the government's commitment to empowering local communities. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasised the importance of buses for millions in the West Midlands, noting the funding will help protect jobs and support the move to franchising.
Mayor Richard Parker of the West Midlands highlighted that buses are a public service and should be run in the public interest, confirming that the WMCA stepped in to protect services and jobs.