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 the Capital Transport Performance Report, and discussions surrounding Member Engagement Groups. The committee will also consider the West Midlands Bus Network Support Grant and emerging cost pressures.

Bus Real Time Information System Update

The committee is scheduled to receive an update on the progress made in improving the accuracy and reliability of the region's Real Time Information (RTI) system. The report details actions taken to enhance passenger access to real-time travel information and outlines potential further improvements that could be realised through bus franchising. The report notes that while significant progress has been made in tackling issues such as ghost buses and implementing automated trip cancellations, challenges remain, particularly concerning the timeliness of information from some operators. The introduction of RTI Everywhere QR codes at bus stops is also highlighted as a key development. The report also discusses the opportunities that bus franchising presents for standardising data provision and enhancing the customer experience.

Capital Transport Performance Report

A report on the Capital Transport Performance is scheduled for discussion, providing the committee with an update on the progress of key transport capital programmes across the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and local authority portfolios. The report indicates that the capital portfolio maintains an 'amber' status, reflecting its significant scope, complexity, and value, alongside the recognised risks to delivering the remaining timeframe. The dashboard for transport capital delivery programmes is expected to be reviewed, with commentary on the status of individual schemes. Specific programmes mentioned include the Active Travel Fund (ATF) and the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement 1 (CRSTS 1). The report details progress on various schemes, including rail station completions, metro extensions, and local authority-led active travel and transport connectivity projects.

Member Engagement Groups – Progress Report

The committee is set to receive a progress report from the various Member Engagement Groups (MEGs). These groups provide a forum for members to discuss transport-related issues in more detail, grouped by thematic areas. Updates are expected from the Air Quality, Congestion & Environmental Impact MEG, the Finance & Performance MEG, the Passenger Communications MEG, the Passenger & Road Safety MEG, the Rail, Metro & Sprint MEG, and the Sustainability & Active Travel MEG. Specific recommendations from the Sustainability and Active Travel MEG are to be considered, including ensuring lessons learned from the Lime Cycle Hire launch are applied to the Black Country launch, incorporating Kids Streets into the Black Country Cycling Revolution Business Case, and investigating the use of school communication platforms for collecting data for Kids Streets projects.

West Midlands Bus Network Support Grant and Emerging Cost Pressures

The committee is scheduled to consider a report on the West Midlands Bus Network Support Grant and emerging cost pressures. The report indicates that agreements for proposed grant support for bus operators are nearing finalisation to sustain the existing commercial bus network from 1 June 2026 to 30 November 2026. Without this funding, it is estimated that up to 49% of commercial bus services could be lost across the region. The report also highlights additional pressures on bus operations stemming from the Middle East oil crisis, which is impacting operators to varying degrees depending on their fuel hedging strategies. TfWM is set to commence discussions on grants to support bus services from 1 December, with potential for service changes if costs escalate further. The report details the proposed terms and conditions for the grant scheme, including operator obligations and fare review mechanisms, and notes that a principles assessment of the proposed subsidy scheme has been submitted to the Subsidy Advice Unit.

Member Engagement Groups - Proposed Revisions

A report proposing revisions to the Member Engagement Groups (MEGs) for the 2025/26 municipal year is scheduled for discussion. The proposed revisions aim to adapt the MEGs to changes in governance and roles since the Transport Delivery Committee was reformed as the Transport Delivery Overview & Scrutiny Committee (TDOSC). The report clarifies the role and purpose of MEGs, outlining their function in informal engagement, information sharing, performance monitoring, and escalating matters to the TDOSC. The proposed new MEGs include: Finance and Performance MEG; Sustainable, Safety and Net Zero MEG (amalgamating existing groups); Rail, Metro and VLR MEG (remodelling the current Rail, Metro and Sprint MEG); Bus and Bus Reform MEG; Passenger & Customer First MEG; and Strategy and Policy MEG. The committee is asked to endorse these proposals and make any further comments.

Work Programme

The committee will also review its Work Programme, which includes items such as the Transport Capital Delivery Programmes, Real Time Information updates, and a Progress Report on Member Engagement Groups, all scheduled for discussion at this meeting. Future items for the Work Programme include reports on the Integrated Settlement, Park & Ride Strategy, and Fares and Payments Strategy.