News · 18 August 2026

Mobico sells West Midlands bus operations to WMCA for £24 million upfront

Mobico, the company behind National Express coaches, is divesting its local bus service to the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). The deal includes an upfront payment of £24 million, with an extra £5.5 million due later in 2027 and 2029. The sale is part of Mobico's plan to become "simpler and stronger" and follows the WMCA's decision to move to a franchised bus network.

By BriefTea Editorial · 18 August 2026 at 11:26

Reported by standard.co.uk · How we write briefs

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How does this affect UK transport policy? Is public transport becoming public again? What is a franchised bus network? Who owns our local buses?

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