The Transport Delivery Overview & Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 18 May 2026 to discuss a range of transport-related matters. Key topics include an update on the Bus Real Time Information System, a review of capital transport performance, and progress reports from Member Engagement Groups. The committee will also consider proposed revisions to these groups and discuss the West Midlands Bus Network Support Grant and emerging cost pressures.

Bus Real Time Information System Update

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to an update on the Bus Real Time Information (RTI) System. The report details progress made in improving the accuracy, reliability, and accessibility of real-time travel information for passengers. This includes efforts to tackle ghost buses – predictions for services that do not arrive – and the implementation of automated trip cancellations from National Express West Midlands. The RTI Everywhere project, which aims to provide virtual real-time information displays via QR codes at bus stops, is also highlighted, with over 112,000 code scans recorded in a six-month period. The report notes that further enhancements to the customer experience could be provided through bus franchising, which is planned to be introduced from October 2027. The committee is asked to note and endorse the progress made and the opportunities for further improvement.

Capital Transport Performance Report

The committee will receive an update on the status and progress of transport capital delivery programmes across the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and local authority portfolio. The report indicates that the capital portfolio maintains an amber status, reflecting its significant scope, complexity, and value, alongside the recognised risks to delivering within the remaining timeframe. Progress has been made in increasing visibility of local authority delivery, with a high-level roadmap now included in the dashboard. Specific programmes such as the Active Travel Fund (ATF) and the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS 1) are detailed, with updates on scheme progression, funding agreements, and key achievements. The report also outlines ongoing risks and mitigation activities, emphasising the importance of maintaining momentum for CRSTS 1 and ATF programmes.

Member Engagement Groups – Progress Report

Updates will be provided from various Member Engagement Groups (MEGs), which serve as forums for members to discuss transport-related issues in more detail. The Air Quality, Congestion & Environmental Impact MEG met to discuss Coventry City Council's air quality initiatives, TfWM's decarbonisation work, and the RSSB Air Quality Monitoring Network report. The Finance & Performance MEG received updates on the Bus Reform Programme, including depot acquisition and the financial position, as well as an update on the Transport Capital Portfolio Dashboard. The Passenger Communications MEG discussed bus funding and franchising, bus stops and shelters, West Midlands Bus On Demand, and passenger information. The Passenger & Road Safety MEG reviewed CCTV incident capture and the status of the Regional Road Safety Action Plan. Finally, the Rail, Metro & Sprint MEG considered updates on metro programmes, rail station openings, mass rapid transit feasibility studies, CrossCity Bus, Sprint Phase 2, and the Sports Quarter and Rosewell Review.

Member Engagement Groups - Proposed Revisions

This agenda item seeks comments and endorsement for proposed revisions to the Member Engagement Groups (MEGs) for the upcoming municipal year, starting in June 2025. The report highlights the need to adapt the MEGs to changes in governance and responsibilities since the Transport Delivery Committee became the Transport Delivery Overview & Scrutiny Committee (TDOSC). The proposed revisions aim to ensure effective scrutiny of strategic and policy matters within transport, reflecting developments in areas such as road safety, bus policy, and light rail. The report clarifies the role and purpose of MEGs, outlining what they are and are not intended to do, and proposes the formation of new groups: Finance and Performance MEG; Sustainable, Safety and Net Zero MEG; Rail, Metro and VLR MEG; Bus and Bus Reform MEG; Passenger & Customer First MEG; and Strategy and Policy MEG.

West Midlands Bus Network Support Grant and Emerging Cost Pressures

The committee will receive an update on the West Midlands Bus Network Support Grant (NSG) scheme and emerging cost pressures affecting bus operators. Agreements for proposed grant support are nearing finalisation to sustain the existing commercial bus network until November 2026, which is crucial as it is estimated that up to 49% of commercial bus services could be lost without this funding. The report also addresses the impact of the Middle East oil crisis on fuel prices, which is affecting operators to varying degrees. TfWM will commence discussions on grants for bus services from December 2026, and further cost escalations could lead to changes in bus services from that time. The report details the proposed terms and conditions for the grant scheme, including operator requirements for service provision, fare reviews, and data provision.

The meeting will also cover the Work Programme for the Transport Delivery Overview & Scrutiny Committee and the WMCA Board Forward Plan.