West Midlands bus fares increase again as political row over affordability intensifies

Bus passengers across the West Midlands are paying more to travel after a fresh round of fare increases came into force, sparking renewed debate over the future cost of public transport in the region.

National Express West Midlands has raised the price of several tickets, with the popular adult day ticket increasing from £5.20 to £5.50. Child day tickets, weekly passes and group tickets have also risen, while adult and child single fares remain frozen at £3 and £1.50 respectively.

The increases have prompted criticism from the West Midlands Conservatives, who argue Mayor Richard Parker has failed to deliver on promises that bringing buses under public control would make travel more affordable. The party says passengers have seen prices rise year after year despite waiting for the benefits of franchising to materialise.

The Mayor's office rejects those claims, pointing out that franchising is due to begin next year and arguing the current administration inherited significant financial pressures, including a reported £120 million funding gap within Transport for West Midlands. Officials also highlight a £2.4 billion transport investment programme, which they say will deliver more reliable services while helping keep fares competitive.

Transport for West Midlands continues to subsidise bus services by around £50 million a year to support routes and limit fare increases, maintaining that fares in the region remain among the lowest in England.

The latest fare changes come as public transport affordability remains a growing political issue, with both major parties seeking to convince passengers they can deliver a more reliable and cost-effective bus network ahead of the launch of franchised services in 2027.