Poor public transport links are stopping West Midlands residents from accessing better jobs and holding back business growth, according to new research.
Bus operator Metroline found that 12 per cent of respondents who rely on buses in the region have turned down or left a job because travel was too difficult.
Meanwhile, 10 per cent have stayed in a less desirable job purely because it was easier to reach.
Edward Thomas, chief executive of ComfortDelGro Bus & Coach in the UK and Ireland, said: “Buses are critical national infrastructure and a lifeline to work, education, and opportunity for vast numbers of people across the West Midlands.
“Bus users in the region are disproportionately affected by poor connectivity, which can result in a missed shift or someone having to turn down a job simply because they could not get there.”
The impact of poor transport stretches beyond individuals, with 64 per cent of businesses agreeing that transport and connectivity affect their ability to hire highly skilled workers.
A similar proportion said that inadequate public transport limits recruitment more generally.
More than half of businesses reported losing potential staff due to commuting concerns, and 53 per cent said unfilled roles were linked to poor transport connections.
A large majority—78 per cent—believe that improved connectivity would expand their candidate pool.
Transport issues are also affecting productivity, with 74 per cent of senior business leaders saying poor connectivity impacts employee punctuality and attendance.
Nearly 70 per cent believe it is driving up overall business costs.
Mr Thomas said: “Resolving this will not just lead to smoother journeys; it will unlock growth and economic value that is currently going untapped, improving livelihoods and allowing local businesses to grow, invest, and hire the people they need.”
Better transport links could also support West Midlands residents in finding higher-paying jobs, with 41 per cent saying improved connectivity would give them access to better-paid roles—a figure that rises to 55 per cent among bus users.
Beyond employment, 36 per cent said improved bus services would give them access to education or training, and the same proportion said it would help them progress in their careers.