Birmingham City Council recently announced that the majority of its home-to-school transport services will be provided by National Express subsidiary, West Midlands Accessible Transport Ltd.
Formally awarded following a city council cabinet decision on Monday 15 July, the contract will begin in September.
These changes come as a result of ATG, the previous main supplier going into administration.
Councillor Kate Booth, Cabinet Member for Children’s Wellbeing, said: “I’m so pleased that National Express has come on board with us to provide this vital service.
“It is the largest provision of home to school transport, and the largest guided service, in the country; all through primary and secondary years.
“The service mostly supports those children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who can’t be expected to make their own way to school because of a disability or issues relating to their special educational needs.
“Of the 6,000 children the entire home-to-school service supports, 4,250 are transported using taxis and minibuses, with some of the 600 transport routes having a guided service.
“We’re really pleased with this outcome.
“National Express is a nationally-recognised provider that has a track record of providing a modern and reliable service.
“We will be working very closely with National Express to ensure the service they operate will provide the best outcomes for our young people.”
National Express is currently in final discussions with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) about taking on ATG’s door-to-door Ring and Ride service which has 12,557 registered users across the region.
