A new consultation has been launched over the future of the West Midlands' bus network by Mayor Richard Parker.
Over the next three months, businesses and the public can give their views on plans for a franchised bus network to replace the current private, operator-led system.
Under franchising, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) would set the fares, timetables and routes of services and award contracts to private bus operators to run them.
It means Mayor Parker and other regional leaders can design a network which they say best serves residents and businesses.
The wide-ranging consultation, available on the TfWM website, will outline what franchising entails and ask people, businesses and other groups for their views ahead of a final decision being taken in the spring.
TfWM said eight in ten public transport journeys in the West Midlands were by bus which accounted for more than 240 million passenger journeys during 2024. It is estimated the network contributes £4.4 billion a year to the regional economy.
The mayor said: "Buses are the backbone of our transport system, used by thousands of people every week to get to work, school, hospital, see friends or visit our high streets.
"They provide an affordable alternative to the car, helping to reduce traffic congestion and pollution while supporting our businesses.
"But, despite getting £50 million a year of public funding, the current system is letting people down. They are often unreliable and don't always offer the routes or timetables that people need.
"That is why I pledged to make the region's buses work for its people and this consultation is a big step towards delivering on that. I want people to give their views and help us shape a new bus network together."
Last month, the West Midlands Combined Authority agreed to go out to consultation after an independent audit concluded that franchising would deliver better value for money and improve services.
Currently, TfWM pays £50 million a year in top up funding to keep commercial bus services on the road but control of routes, timetables and some fares still rests with the operators such as National Express which runs the majority of services in the West Midlands.
If approved, it is estimated the transition will cost the authority £22 million with the roll of franchised bus services starting in 2027.
In addition, it will be necessary to buy buses and depots, funded through borrowing and paid back with future fare income.
The consultation runs until March 30.
