Concerns Raised Over Condition of West Midlands Bus Depots Ahead of Public Control Move

Coventry's bus depot is among those to be purchased

Plans to bring the West Midlands’ bus network back under public control have sparked debate over the condition of depots earmarked for purchase by the Combined Authority.

At a recent West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) board meeting, councillors questioned whether some of the sites were in a state of disrepair and warned of potential long-term financial risks.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, from Walsall, voiced concerns bluntly:

“What I don’t want us to do as a combined authority is to set ourselves a ticking time bomb for the future.”

Calls for Structural Surveys

The authority intends to acquire several depots across the region as part of the move to re-regulate buses, with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) set to oversee routes, timetables, fares and contracts for operators.

But councillor Heather Delaney of Solihull cautioned that the authority did not appear to have detailed information about the condition of the sites:

“I understand the need to purchase the depots, however we don’t appear to have any structural surveys or surveys of the conditions of the depots. Are we putting ourselves at risk of having significant costs of refurbishment and enhancements to those depots?”

Transport Leaders Respond

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said the Combined Authority would ensure “fair value” was paid and that liabilities were factored into valuations:

“We will make sure we understand those risks and we are paying fair value for any of those assets and hopefully those valuations take into account any liabilities for those depots.”

Officials added that due diligence would be carried out before any transactions were completed.

Depots in Question

The WMCA already owns the Walsall depot on Carl Street, but plans to purchase several more, including:

• Perry Barr depot, Aston Lane

• Cox Street depot, Coventry

• Wolverhampton depot, Park Lane

• Pensnett depot, Second Avenue

• West Bromwich depot, Oak Lane

• Acocks Green depot, Fox Hollies Road

• Birmingham Central depot, Liverpool Street

• Yardley Wood depot, Yardley Wood Road

  
  

Birmingham Central depot is of particular concern, with only a short lease left on the site. Mitigation plans are already being considered, which could involve the construction of a new depot in east Birmingham.

A Historic Shift

The move marks a major shift in how buses are managed in the region. If implemented, it would be the first time in nearly four decades that services come under direct public control, mirroring similar changes already seen in Greater Manchester.