Decision

RESOLVED: – That the Weaver Network Board:

1. Approved the removal of local subsidy support for adult single bus fares from 1 January 2027, recognising that the national £2 bus fare cap should provide the principal funding mechanism for adult single journeys from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2027. This would mean the removal of any additional support provided by WYCA in relation to DfT shortfall payments to operators from 1 January 2027.
2. Approved the continuation of subsidy support for the MCard DaySaver based on the current customer price of £6.00 and the fixed subsidy for prepaid Day, Week and Month multi-operator MCard tickets until 31 March 2027.
3. Agreed that the Commercial Manager (Transport Services), in consultation with the Legal, Governance and Compliance Lawyers, would finalise and issue the variation and/or amended and restated Scheme documentation in accordance with these recommendations and undertake the necessary operator notification and implementation activity.
4. Agreed that a paper would be presented to the Combined Authority Board in December 2026 seeking approval for a Weaver Network Fares, Ticketing and Retail Strategy. A further paper would seek approval on a replacement integrated fare subsidy scheme to be implemented from 1 April 2027. The proposal would align with the Weaver Network and bus franchising programme, with detailed financial, commercial and legal implications set out through the appropriate governance process, to include potential consideration by the Investment Board or another appropriate Board, as required.