Richard Parker – the mayor of West Midlands – took actions to protect passengers and keep the buses running. This follows after the WMCA (West Midlands Combined Authority) board’s approval of the acquisition of the National Express’ West Midlands bus operations.
What this means is Mobico Group, parent company of National Express has confirmed its intention to take action for the bus operations while the West Midlands region continues the move towards bus enfranchisement. This will result in more control over routes, timetables, fares and the service standards to provide a more reliable, joined and responsible bus service for all communities in the West Midlands region.
This is a part of Mayor Richard Parker’s goal to enfranchise the bus services. Given the importance of buses to the West Midlands, the WMCA has approved an acquisition to protect passengers, staff members, services, depots and the wider bus network.
Richard Parker has affirmed this commitment to bus franchising as the best model for the long term goal for bus services. WMCA endorsed this decision in May 2025 and remains unchanged in its support.
Passengers can continue as normal and do not need to do anything differently. While the service, tickets and timetables will remain normal during the handover. The WMCA expects this acquisition to be completed in Autumn.
The West Midlands Bus Limited is a company created to continue bus operations, will operate as the subsidiary of the WMCA and will have its own management. WMCA will work alongside West Midlands Bus Limited, the staff, trade unions and local partners to ensure minimum disruption for passengers.
The finance for this will be funded mainly by WMCA, but other transport investment plans include the £11.5 million from the Government for transportation costs.
The WMCA has issued the Invitation to Tender for the first part of the West Midlands Bus franchising on Monday 17th August. This will mark the start of the formal process to acquire the bus services. The bus franchising will give better control over routes and bus fares with operators chosen to provide this service under a contract.
Contracts for this franchisement will be rewarded from 2027 onwards.
