National Express name change - will it affect Birmingham buses?

National Express has announced that it is changing its name to Mobico because it better reflects the group’s international nature and diverse range of mobility services.

The company says it is continuing to lead the modal shift to mass transit. It currently operates 93% of buses in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

National Express is also known for operating coach services across the UK - including most of the airports in the country. The new name will take effect from early June 2023.

BirminghamWorld asked National Express if the new name will affect bus services in Birmingham following the announcement yesterday (Wednesday, May 10).

A spokesperson said: “To confirm, National Express buses in the West Midlands will not be rebranded and won’t be affected, they will continue to be known as National Express buses.

“The rebrand is purely at a group/parent company level – the operating consumer brands within the business will not change.”

The company also explained that it’s other significant brand names will not be affected saying: “All significant brand names used across the Group’s global operations including Alsa, WeDriveU, Peterman and Durham School Services will also be retained.”

Adding: “The new corporate name will not involve any operational or structural changes to the Group or any of its subsidiaries and will be implemented in a cost effective way.”

National Express/ Mobico said that a further announcement will be made in due course when the name change becomes effective at which point the Group will adopt a new stock ticker, “MCG”. Until such an announcement is made, trading will continue under the existing “NEX” ticker.

Ignacio Garat, National Express Group Chief Executive, said: “Whilst National Express is a highly valued consumer brand, Mobico better represents our multi-modal operations, global reach and future ambitions. We remain focused on providing best-in-class services and delivering our Evolve strategy, with the intent of establishing Mobico Group as the world’s premier shared mobility operator.”