New bus station to be built as part of depots plan

A new bus station is set to be built in Birmingham as part of plans to overhaul the region's bus network and move it to a franchise model.

Members of the West Midlands Combined Authority's (WMCA) investment board are expected to approve the business case for the construction of the East Birmingham depot at a site at Lea Ford Road, Kitts Green.

The building of the new depot is part of the WMCA's wider plan to buy up depots across the region.

Other ones listed for purchase include the Cox Street depot in Ford Street, Coventry, and Wolverhampton's depot in Park Lane.

A report for the authority said the East Birmingham depot would cost no more than £19.93m.

Three-quarters of the money is being funded by Birmingham City Council, which will contribute a minimum of £14.93m towards the bill.

Bosses said owning bus depots would help increase competition in a market dominated by one operator.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker previously described the existing bus network as "failing" and said franchising would give people greater control over fares, timetables and routes.

"This investment in Kitts Green is an important part of my plan to take control of the bus network," he said.

"Bringing bus depots into public ownership breaks down barriers to entry and invites new operators into the market, which will increase competition and mean lower costs."

Members of the investment board will meet on Monday to decide on the issue.

WMCA already owns the the Walsall depot in Carl Street and the others listed for purchase are:

• Perry Barr depot, Aston Lane

• Cox Street depot, Ford Street, Coventry

• Wolverhampton depot, Park Lane

• Pensnett depot, Second Avenue

• West Bromwich depot, Oak Lane

• Acocks Green depot, Fox Hollies Road

• Birmingham Central depot, Liverpool Street

• Yardley Wood depot, Yardley Wood Road

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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