a “decisive step” towards improving the region’s bus network.
Bus companies have been invited to bid for contracts to run the first publicly controlled bus services in the West Midlands for more than 40 years.
Mayor Richard Parker officially launched the bidding process on August 17.
It marks a major step towards bringing the region’s bus network under public control.
The first franchised contracts will cover Coventry, North Birmingham and Walsall.
Successful operators are expected to be announced early next year, with services scheduled to begin in October 2027.
Under the new system, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) will control routes, timetables and fares.
Private operators will still run the buses.
However, they will be paid by the WMCA to deliver services under franchised contracts.
The model is already used in London and Manchester.
It will replace the West Midlands’ current deregulated system, where private operators largely decide how services are run.
Mayor Parker described the move as a “decisive step” towards improving the region’s bus network.
He said the network was being designed around people who rely on buses every day.
The aim is to improve reliability and service standards across the region.
The WMCA is also purchasing buses and depots. This will make it easier for smaller and out-of-region operators to compete for contracts.
The move comes as West Midlands bus services have become increasingly reliant on public funding since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The WMCA currently provides more than £50 million each year to support bus services.
Without this funding, operators have warned that around half of existing services could be at risk.
Government support also includes the single-fare cap.
This is due to fall from £3 to £2 in January 2027.
Transport for West Midlands has also invested in bus stations, electric vehicles and bus priority routes.
Its Your Bussing It campaign has offered free trial tickets and passes to groups including students, families and NHS workers.
Mayor Parker decided to proceed with bus franchising in May 2025.
Officials have since worked with the industry to design the future network.
The first franchised services will launch in Coventry, North Birmingham and Walsall in October 2027.
Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton are expected to follow in 2028.
Solihull and South Birmingham are planned for 2029.
A consultation held last year found that 75% of residents and organisations who expressed a preference supported franchising.
The first contracts will closely reflect the existing bus network.
The WMCA aims to create a stable foundation before introducing further changes.
For passengers across the West Midlands, the move could significantly change who controls local bus services.
It could also affect how routes, timetables and fares are decided across the region.
