Plans to transform the West Midlands bus network are drawing a range of responses from passengers across the region. Transport for West Midlands has launched a formal consultation on a proposal to move the region’s bus network to a franchise model from the current private operator led deregulated system.
People are given the chance to answer a short questionnaire with nine questions or a longer one with 43. As of January 16, there had been 396 responses to the short questionnaire and 103 replies to the longer one.
And, to date, it has provoked a mix response with many in favour of franchising, some remaining neutral or undecided and a number who are opposed to it. Shortly after his election in May last year, Mayor Richard Parker outlined his vision for bus reform, saying moving to a franchise model would give Transport for West Midlands more control over fares, routes and timetables.
READ MORE: Hundreds have say on plans for major reform to West Midlands bus network
West Midlands Combined Authority currently provides an annual subsidy of around £50 million to private operators but this has failed to stop fare increases and service reduction. As well as commenting on the proposed franchise model, people taking part in the consultation are also calling for passes being available on all modes of transport, cutting fares and protecting existing services.
One commenter said: “Bring buses back into public control. Yes, public transport should not be a for profit industry.” Another said: “It’s currently a monopoly with National Express dominating. Competition is needed to deliver for passengers.
“Fully support reform of public transport. I am for it. There is a shake -up needed as current operating is effectively a monopoly and fares for single journeys recently jumped from £2.00 to £2.90.”
Another passenger said: “Needs to be reviewed regularly, 3-5 years to ensure we are not stuck with substandard services. Franchise holders need to ensure they are not cutting costs on services and staffing costs in order to undercut rivals – services need to benefit all including potential new employees.
“It makes sense that all infrastructure should be WMCA owned to ensure they are not beholden to franchised companies.”
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While some people agree there needs to be changes to the network, franchising isn’t necessarily their preferred option. One said: “In all honesty I don’t really have any opinion on how the buses are run just so long as the services we get are consistently reliable and give good value for money.
“For my own part, I use buses 3 to 4 times a week, and in general my experience is that they are often unclean and more often than not there will be some level of anti-social behaviour taking place (typically people being disrespectful of other passengers/driver. Smoking drugs. Littering etc).
“I am more concerned with these issues being addressed than I am with details such as Franchising.” Another added: “Reform, yes. Franchising, no. The West Midlands bus network needs to be redrawn to eliminate duplication and wastage. This could be done through a new partnership agreement.”
And there are those who are strongly against the franchise model with one saying: “My biggest worry is that by franchising all services the bigger operator, (National Express) West Midlands, will decide to get rid of a lot of their less profitable routes and if this is the case are there enough smaller composites willing to invest to take on those extra routes.”
Another commenter said: “Expensive, not necessary, and all additional cost will fall on the tax payer” while another simply said: “Risk outweighs benefit. Strongly oppose.” People will be able to take part in the online consultation by visiting the Transport for West Midlands website at https://www.tfwm.org.uk/consultations/bus-reform/.