Free bus scheme is good value for money - mayor

A five-day scheme offering free bus travel in the evening represents good value for money, the West Midlands mayor has said, despite costing £1m.

The initiative, which started on Monday and ends on Friday, means anyone can travel by bus for free in the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) area after 19:00 GMT.

The first two days saw a 25% increase in passengers on some routes, the authority claimed, but figures could not be provided due to tickets not being sold.

Mayor Richard Parker said it was an example of using government money to support investment and encourage more people to use the bus network.

"We've decided this time of year, given the expenses people are incurring, it's a great initiative to run - supporting our night-time economy, supporting our high streets and encouraging people back on to buses," he said.

On Friday, leaders of the seven councils that form the WMCA will consider plans to consult on bringing bus services back under public control via a franchise model - one of the Labour mayor's main election pledges.

Parker promised it would give the region more control over fares, routes and timetables.

The WMCA said moving to a franchise model would cost £22.5m over three years.

In a report to board members, auditors said the move would provide "better value for money".

The authority currently provides an annual subsidy of about £50m to private operators, but it said this had failed to stop fare increases and reduced services.

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