When bus franchising reaches your part of Birmingham

Bus services across the region are moving into public control over the next three years. Here is when the change is due to reach different parts of Birmingham, and what it should mean for passengers.

What franchising is

Since bus deregulation in 1986, most buses outside London have been run by private companies that decide their own routes, timetables and fares. Under franchising, the combined authority decides those things itself and pays operators to run the services under contract. It is the system used in London and, more recently, in Greater Manchester.

The Mayor, Richard Parker, signed the decision to introduce franchising in May 2025 after a vote by the combined authority's board.

The timetable

• First phase: Coventry, North Birmingham and Walsall, with contracts awarded in early 2027 and services starting in October 2027
• Second phase: Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton, starting in 2028
• Third phase: Solihull and South Birmingham, during 2029

The network will be divided into nine local area franchises, with some single-route contracts designed to attract smaller operators. More than 1,000 buses will be needed.

What passengers can expect

Supporters say franchising allows one joined-up network with simpler fares, consistent branding and routes planned around what passengers need rather than what is most profitable. In Greater Manchester, franchised Bee Network buses have been linked with rising passenger numbers.

Critics warn that it transfers financial risk to the public sector, which will be responsible if fare income falls.

Costs

One-off set-up costs were estimated at 22.5 million pounds over three years.

A takeover first

Before franchising begins, the combined authority is taking over the region's largest bus company from National Express to keep services running during the change. Tickets and timetables will stay the same during the handover.