Immediate threat to region's bus services headed off by £40m investment but some routes could still face the axe
The immediate threat of bus services in the region being slashed has been headed off by a £40 million investment – but some routes may still face the axe in October.
Transport bosses have confirmed that bus services across the West Midlands will continue to operate at near current levels until the end of 2024.
It follows an agreement between Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and the bus operating companies, including National Express West Midlands and Diamond Bus.
The deal heads off the immediate threat of around one third of the region’s bus services being withdrawn or frequencies reduced following the ending of Government Covid support funding in June.
Operators have faced increasing cost pressures due to steep rises in fuel, maintenance, and staff costs over the last two years and are struggling to keep buses on the road.
TfWM said the protection was on top of around £16 million it spends annually subsidising buses which are deemed socially necessary but not able to operate on a commercial basis – such as some evening and weekend services or those calling at more remote locations.
However, there will be a review of contracted bus services during October which could result in some routes being reduced or withdrawn.
