The West Midlands Combined Authority is taking decisive action to eliminate the persistent problem of 'ghost buses' — services that appear on information boards but never actually arrive. Members of the WMCA's Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee are set to discuss enhancements to the region's bus real-time information system at an upcoming meeting.
Progress in Reducing Phantom Services
According to a new report, concerted efforts have successfully reduced these phantom services to a minimum. The issue became particularly acute after the COVID-19 pandemic, when driver shortages led to a higher number of cancelled journeys. The report states: 'Through a series of controlled amendments and carrying out post-change checks, it has shown these amendments have been successful and the number of ghost buses reported are now minimal, if at all.'
Recent audits reveal marked improvement, with only three instances of ghost buses observed across 52 bus stops in December. This is a significant reduction compared to earlier periods when the problem was more widespread.
Franchising Model to Enhance Accuracy
The authority is implementing automated trip cancellations from National Express West Midlands' system and providing QR codes at bus stops for real-time updates. A transition to a franchise model next year will grant the WMCA greater control over service operations. Under franchising, the authority will be able to mandate how frequently buses report their position and ensure operators provide accurate information about cancelled trips.
This move is expected to bring an end to the scourge of ghost buses, improving reliability and passenger confidence across the West Midlands.
