Investment provokes more bus journeys in the West Midlands

New figures have shown that the number of people catching the bus in the West Midlands has rocketed by almost eight million over the last year as major investment in the network continues.

Fare-busting initiatives and other incentives delivered through the West Midlands Bus Alliance mean passenger numbers were up to 267.1 million between March 2018 and March 2019, according to new government figures - an increase from 259.3 million during the previous 12 months.

The success is as a result of the introduction of low-fare zones and a decision to extend half-price travel to all 16-18-year-olds, benefitting up to 105,000 apprentices, students, trainees and those in work, as well as National Express West Midlands having announced a freeze on walk-on cash fares and many season tickets for the third year running in 2020.

The West Midlands Combined Authority has also highlighted convenient payment by mobile phone, the Swift travel card and contactless cards and live timetable apps as also making bus travel easier and more attractive.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “This large increase in bus passengers comes at a time when bus usage is in decline in many other towns and cities. I truly believe it is thanks to great innovations like low fare zones, half-price travel for more young people and smart ticketing, delivered with our Bus Alliance partners, that we are clearly making an impact with eight million more journeys last year.

“With confirmation that our largest operator National Express will be freezing the walk-on cash fares in 2020, buses will continue to provide good value for passengers. We have worked closely with National Express to freeze bus fares for three years running.”