West Midlands bus fares are set to increase from Sunday, June 28, with adult day tickets rising from £5.20 to £5.50. The fare hike applies to a number of services operated by National Express West Midlands.
Political backlash over fare increase
The increase has sparked criticism from Conservatives, who accuse Mayor Richard Parker of failing to deliver his promise of affordable public transport through bus franchising. West Midlands Conservatives said passengers were "paying more for improvements yet to happen" and claimed the Mayor was presiding over "year after year of higher fares."
A Conservative spokesperson said: "Under Richard Parker, the only thing arriving on time is the next fare increase."
Mayor's office defends decision
Parker's office hit back, accusing the Tories of "collective amnesia" over fare increases under the previous Conservative Mayor Andy Street. They said Parker inherited a £120 million "black hole" in Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) finances when elected in May 2024.
Despite the increases, TfWM maintains that West Midlands fares remain amongst the lowest in the country.
