West Midlands bus passengers hit with fare hike from next month
Passengers on buses in the West Midlands are to be hit with hikes of more than eight per cent on the cost of fares and monthly and annual bus passes.
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Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) announced the increase – which will come into effect from June 15 – on Friday (May 30), blaming rising costs faced by bus operators.
But they said, despite the 8.6 per cent increase, the costs of the passes remain amongst the lowest in the country.
The fare rise follows an independent review, instigated by bus operators, which recommended the 8.6 per cent increase, and which TfWM was required to introduce.
This means the four-week fare, used by those who commute on a daily basis, will go up from £64 to £70 and the monthly direct debit fare rise from £59 to £64.
A TfWM spokesperson said these are cheaper than comparable fares in London (£94), Liverpool (£77.10), Manchester (£80) and Nottingham, at £75.
The cost of the day ticket will also increase by 40p to £5.20.
Two months ago, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) agreed
to continue the £50 million a year funding to support struggling operators and prevent further reductions in bus services.
Earlier this month, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker signed a landmark agreement to bring buses back under public control for the first time in 40 years.
He said the bus franchising model with enable TfWM and regional leaders to set fares, routes and timetables.
Private operators will bid to run services on behalf of TfWM and this will be introduced in phases from 2027 with the roll out completed during 2029.
Matt Lewis, commercial director – bus and operations, Transport for West Midlands, said: “It is a difficult time for people and money is tight, so we have worked hard with our bus operators to keep these increases to an absolute minimum and keep our bus services on the road.
“This includes continuing the £50 million subsidy this year. As a result, our season tickets, for regular bus users, remain great value and among
the lowest in the country despite this increase.
“And longer term we are working on the plan to take public control of the network to make sure our bus services better meet the needs of our people.
“This includes the ability to set all service routes, timetables and fares, which we are not currently able to do.”
