Bus operators are being invited to tender to run routes across parts of the West Midlands network as the region introduces a franchised system.
Wolverhampton is included in the second round of franchise tenders, which is expected to open in 2028. Services under the new franchise are expected to start the following year.
The first round of tenders for North/East Birmingham, Coventry and Walsall is set to open later this month, with services expected to start later next year. A third round for Solihull and South and West Birmingham is planned for 2029.
What is franchising?
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker pledged to move the region's bus network from its current private operator-led model to franchising after being elected in 2024. Under the franchise system, control over fares, timetables and routes will return to public hands, with decisions taken by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of West Midlands Combined Authority.
The WMCA currently provides an annual subsidy of around £50m to private operators, but this has failed to stop fare increases and service reductions.
Public support for change
A public consultation in 2025 found around 75% of respondents were in favour of introducing a franchise model in the region.
In January, the WMCA announced it was to buy operator National Express's existing fleet of diesel and electric buses. The authority held a pre-market engagement day with prospective bus operators earlier this year.
Bus franchising will require the acquisition of depots across the region and fleet, as well as setting up processes to manage contracts and operator performance.
