The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has agreed to purchase National Express West Midlands, the region's largest bus operator, in a move that will bring bus services under public control. The deal, announced on [date], is expected to be completed by [date], subject to regulatory approval.
Under the terms of the agreement, WMCA will acquire the bus operations from National Express Group, which has operated services in the region for decades. The purchase price has not been disclosed, but it is understood to be in the hundreds of millions of pounds.
What does this mean for passengers?
The acquisition will affect around 1,700 buses and 5,000 employees, who will transfer to the new publicly-owned company. Passengers are expected to see changes in fares, routes, and service quality, with WMCA pledging to improve reliability and connectivity.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, said: "This is a historic moment for public transport in our region. By bringing buses under public control, we can ensure they serve the needs of our communities, not shareholders."
Reaction from stakeholders
The move has been welcomed by passenger groups and trade unions, who have long campaigned for public ownership of buses. However, some business leaders have expressed concerns about the cost and potential impact on competition.
National Express Group said the sale would allow it to focus on other markets, including rail and international operations. The company will continue to operate other services in the region, such as the Midland Metro tram.
Next steps and implementation
WMCA will now work on transferring operations, with the new company expected to start running services from [date]. The authority has promised a full review of the network, with public consultation planned for later this year.
The takeover is part of a broader trend across the UK, with several other regions moving towards franchising or public ownership of buses. In the West Midlands, the move is seen as a major step towards a more integrated and sustainable transport system.
