Public transport usage in the West Midlands up as car journeys slightly down

Public transport use is on the rise in the West Midlands whilst people are using cars slightly less, according to new data.

The West Midlands State of the Region 2026 report showed there had been a major increase in bus, train and tram boardings in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton in recent years.

Other figures showed Birmingham had the highest the number of jobs accessible within 45 minutes by all forms of transport although there was a mixed picture elsewhere in the region.

The report will be presented to the West Midlands Combined Authority’s local scrutiny committee when it meets on Monday (September 7).

The stats showed that, within the WMCA area between 2021/22 and 2023/24, car usage declined slightly from 66 per cent to 64 per cent.

During the same time period, public transport increased from seven per cent to eight per cent whilst the percentage of people walking rose from 23 to 25.

The increase in bus, tram and rail boardings between 2021/22 and 2024/25 also provided encouraging data for transport bosses.

Bus boardings rose from 175 million to 247 million, tram boardings increased from five million to nine million while rail usage rose from 45 million to 66 million.

The report also focused on job accessibility across the West Midlands in 2026 and described it as “uneven with employment opportunities heavily concentrated in the regional core”.

The number of jobs accessible within a 45‑minute public transport journey in the WMCA area and its surrounding areas has increased from 135,475 in 2023 to 153,348 in 2024, and 168,606 in 2025.

Birmingham had the highest median number of accessible jobs with 309,071, followed by Sandwell which has 283,998. This is 83 per cent and 68 per cent respectively above the WMCA average of 168,606.

But the other five authorities all fell below the WMCA average with Dudley being the lowest with just 91,926.

Coventry (128,567), Solihull (133,552), Walsall (118,640) and Wolverhampton (119,818) also fall 20–30 per cent below the WMCA average, which the paper said highlighted “persistent spatial inequalities in access to employment”.

The report said: “Connected communities are essential for fostering social cohesion, support networks, and resilience.

“These communities are characterised by inclusive accessibility - encompassing physical, digital, and social connections - that enable individuals to access essential resources, participate in active travel, and enjoy public green spaces.

“Strong, interconnected communities promote higher life satisfaction, happiness, and equitable access to opportunities, supporting a healthier, more prosperous society.

“By prioritising better connectivity across transport modes, digital infrastructure, and inclusive community design, we can address inequalities, enhance mobility, and create environments where everyone can thrive.”