Better buses and more services after substantial funding boost for millions of passengers in the West Midlands
Millions of passengers in the West Midlands are set to benefit from faster, cheaper and more reliable buses, the Government said after announcing a £264.1 million boost for services and infrastructure.
The landmark funding follows the Bus Services Act becoming law in October, giving local authorities the power to run local services how they see fit and provide greater protection to "socially necessary" routes.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “After years of decline, better buses are finally on the way. Our £3 billion investment will give local authorities the long-term funding they need to deliver lower fares, more frequent services, and the reliable transport that communities depend on.
"We've already extended the £3 bus fare cap to help people with their everyday journeys, and now we're backing this with the funding councils need to transform their local services.
"This is part of our wider plan to make public transport cheaper across the country – we've frozen rail fares for the first time in 30 years and we’re building Great British Railways to deliver better value for passengers.
"Whether it's the bus to work, the train to see family, or getting to a hospital appointment, affordable transport is essential to bearing down on the cost of living and growing our economy."
Minister for Roads and Buses Simon Lightwood said: “For too long passengers have been let down by unreliable services, sub-standard bus stations and over a decade of routes being cut.
“This £3 billion boost will change this, providing passengers with lower fares, more frequent and reliable services and safer journeys – helping both ease the cost of living and making it easier for people to get to work, hospital appointments and social plans, boosting the economy.”
The allocations bring together various bus funding streams into one source. Millions in funding will be allocated to local authorities in the West Midlands every single year up to 2028/29 and can be spent however they want.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: "Thousands of people rely on our bus network every day to get to where they need to be, and I’m taking back control of our buses to ensure our network remains affordable and accessible.
"The Government understands this and is backing my plans with this funding so we can keep fares low, improve services, and make sure passengers are put first.”
