Another step towards bus franchising in the West Midlands has been made. The region’s largest bus operator, National Express, has stated its commitment to working collaboratively with the local authority as the arrangements come into affect in 2027.

The region’s Mayor, Richard Parker, has green lighted proposals that will bring the network back under public control for the first time in almost 40 years.

The first public controlled services, which are likely to include a non-stop Sprint service from Walsall to Solihull via Birmingham city centre, are expected to start rolling out in late 2027, with the whole process finished during 2029.

The decision, signed by the Mayor after the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board meeting today (9 May 2025), has kickstarted the transition process. The one-off costs of setting up the new franchised operation and designing the new network is expected to be £22.5m over three years.

There are expected to be nine local area franchises with three rolled out each year from 2027-2029, plus a number of smaller single route contracts to encourage smaller bus operators to bid.

Bus depots, the WMCA already owns one in Walsall, and a fleet of more than 1,000 buses will also be needed – either bought outright or leased using either the authority’s transport grants or borrowing through fare income. This, the Mayor’s office says, will increase competition by opening up the new franchises to a wider range of operators.

The franchising system for the region will mean the politically accountable Mayor and regional leaders, through Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), will be able to design a network which best serves residents and businesses.

NatEx recognises Mayor’s ambition

Antony Goozee, Bus Strategy and Commercial Director at National Express West Midlands, said:  “As a leading bus operator in the West Midlands, we take great pride in running bus services in the region, carrying more than 4.5 million passengers every week.

“We recognise the ambitions of the Mayor and the West Midlands Combined Authority to significantly invest in the bus network and develop a new operating model that maximises value for public investment, enhances mobility, and supports economic growth across the region.

“Our long-standing and successful partnership with Transport for West Midlands is something we greatly value. Drawing on decades of experience, we remain fully committed to working collaboratively to deliver high-quality bus services, supporting a smooth and effective transition to the new franchising model as well as continuing to improve our service excellence well into the future.”