A new report reveals bus travel in the West Midlands has significantly declined, sparking calls for reform and public input.
COVID-19 caused a big drop in bus use and numbers haven’t fully recovered yet. Mayor Richard Parker wants to change buses and plans a new system to replace how buses work now. This new plan needs your feedback soon.
Currently, public money supports the buses, costing about £50 million each year. Yet, the region has little control of bus costs, routes, and schedules. Buses carry most public transit users.
The report emphasizes a significant bus travel drop, from 173 million km in 2010 to 115 million km in 2024. That’s about a 34 percent drop overall. A drop between 2020 and 2021 was also clear.
Bus travel decreased during the pandemic, falling by about 22 million kilometers by the end. Bus use rose a bit in 2022, still, it didn’t reach the levels before COVID. The West Midlands relies on buses significantly.
The bus network currently needs around £50 million annually to run. Reform would help improve local transport and help access jobs easily. People could also enjoy events with loved ones.
Walking and cycling matter locally, and linking these with public transport matters a lot. This could reduce traffic everywhere. Planners must ensure everyone can connect to access what matters, including local transit as a whole.