Bus Patronage- Trend and Drivers of Change 2026- Survey

The West Midlands Combined Authority has issued an award notice for a specialist consultancy to conduct an independent, evidence-based assessment of local bus demand trends. This project aims to identify the primary factors influencing bus patronage to provide a robust foundation for strategic decision-making and financial planning. The primary objective of this commission is to deliver practical recommendations for growing patronage in preparation for the introduction of bus franchising in 2027. Managed by the West Midlands Combined Authority under solicitation number PRT-SWIFT-SMG-2026-0007, the initiative focuses on understanding drivers of change to ensure the long-term viability of the region's transport network.