New bus station to be built in Birmingham
A new bus station is set to be built in Birmingham as part of major plans to take back control of the West Midlands network.
Members of West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) Investment Board are expected to approve the business case for the construction of the East Birmingham Depot at site at Lea Ford Road in Kitts Green.
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A report said the cost would be no more than £19,930,000, three quarters of which is being funded by Birmingham City Council which will contribute a minimum of £14,930,000 towards the bill.
The building of a new East Birmingham facility is part of the authority’s wider plan to buy up depots across the region, which forms a key part of the move to overhaul the bus network and move it to a franchise model.
The existing depot which serves this part of the city has already been sold for redevelopment by National Express.
WMCA already owns the the Walsall depot in Carl Street. The other depots listed for purchase are:
Perry Barr depot in Aston Lane
Cox Street depot in Ford Street, Coventry
Wolverhampton depot in Park Lane
Pensnett depot in Second Avenue
West Bromwich depot in Oak Lane
Acocks Green depot in Fox Hollies Road
Birmingham Central depot in Liverpool Street
Yardley Wood depot in Yardley Wood Road
Owning bus depots is seen as a key component of franchising with bosses saying it will help increase competition in a market dominated by one operator.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has previously described the existing bus network as ‘failing’ and said franchising would give people greater control over fares, timetables and routes.
Mr Parker said: “This investment in Kitts Green is an important part of my plan to take control of the bus network.
“Bringing bus depots into public ownership breaks down barriers to entry and invites new operators into the market, which will increase competition and mean lower costs.
“For people who use the buses, this ensures every penny of their fare is reinvested into what matters: better services and lower fares.”
Members of the Investment Board will meet on Monday, February 23 to decide on the issue.
