Bus fares to be frozen for three years

West Midlands bus fares are to be frozen at current levels until 2025 under a new plan agreed with operators to help passengers with the cost of living – saving the average commuter £250 a year.

This means that people will be able to hop on and off the region’s buses all day for the same price they would have paid in 2013 – currently £4.20 for a multi-operator day ticket.

The fare freeze is part of an £88mBus Service Improvement Plan, which is being delivered to drive up passenger numbers and reduce private car use over the next three years.

The Bus Service Improvement Plan has been developed by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in partnership with the region’s bus operators.

And they are set to review the number of fares and ticket types with a view to reducing and simplifying them for passengers.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA said: “Our region’s bus services continue to be amongst the most affordable in the entire country with day tickets already the same price they were a decade ago – with our guarantee in place to keep them low through to 2025.

“This is a genuine success story given the fuel price rises and broader cost of living challenges facing many of our fellow local residents at this time. So I encourage people to leave the car and give the bus a go as not only is it great value for money, it’s also better for the environment.

“Supported by the Government funded Bus Service Improvement Plan, together we can help passenger numbers build back up post pandemic.”

David Bradford, managing director of National Express West Midlands, said: “If you’re an average commuter, you will save £250 next year thanks to these frozen fares.

“We know how tough things are at the moment and we’re pleased to be working with WMCA to help our customers in any way we can. As well as being better value than ever, it’s also simpler than ever: just tap on with your contactless card – there’s no more need to find the exact change.”