West Midlands invests £40m to maintain bus network to 2024

Bus services across the West Midlands will continue to operate at near current levels until the end of 2024 with a £40m funding package. The news comes following an agreement between Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and the bus operating companies, including National Express West Midlands and Diamond Bus.

Under the agreement TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has re-allocated part of the region’s £88m Bus Service Improvement Plan grant to keep services running while a long-term sustainable funding solution is found. This grant was to be used on a variety of initiatives to encourage more people to use buses. But now approximately £40m will be used to support bus operators to maintain services at their present level. However, TfWM is still on course to invest in improved bus priority, more electric and hydrogen buses, as well as securing agreements with operators.