00:00The cost of catching the buzz across the West Midlands is about to go up again.
00:05From Sunday, a standard adult single fare will increase by 10 pence, reaching £3.
00:11A day ticket goes from £4.80 to £5.20,
00:14and the four-week pass, used by many who rely on buzzes for work, rises from £64 to £70.
00:21The increase follows an independent review initiated by the buzz operators themselves,
00:26who say rising fuel and wage costs have left them with little choice.
00:31Transport for West Midlands emphasises that our prices are still cheaper than many major cities.
00:37In London, the equivalent monthly pass costs £94.
00:40In Manchester, it's £80.
00:42Here, a direct debit pass will now be £64.
00:46But many commuters aren't comparing spreadsheets, they're just trying to afford the week ahead.
00:51West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has called the fare rise frustrating,
00:55and says it strengthens his case for change.
00:58He's planning to shift the region's buzz system to a franchised model,
01:03similar to what's used in London, where leaders choose routes, set prices and decides how services run.
01:10National Express West Midlands, the biggest operator in the area,
01:14says good value options still exist,
01:17but critics argue that's only useful for occasional riders.
01:20For those with long-term commutes or multiple changes, the new costs add up quickly.
01:27For many on low incomes, working unpredictable hours or living further from city centres,
01:33buzz is harder choice, they're a lifeline.
01:36And with costs rising faster than wages, there's a growing question,
01:40how much longer can people afford to keep going?
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