Overview
- Speaking to the WMCA scrutiny committee on January 25, the mayor said his team is working with the Department for Transport and has budgets in place to deliver franchising.
- The shift would give Transport for West Midlands control over fares, routes and timetables that are currently set by private operators.
- Local reports say WMCA has been paying about £50 million a year to bus companies even as services and affordability have worsened.
- Business leaders, including Solihull’s Chamber of Commerce, urged franchising to improve access to jobs in the town centre, the airport and JLR.
- Coventry councillor Pervez Akhtar voiced disquiet over timing, costs and benefits, and said West Midlands Trains would return to public control by month‑end, a claim raised at the meeting that has not been confirmed.