TWM buses in name change

Years of public transport history are set to come to an end with the name Travel West Midlands disappearing from the region's buses.

All TWM buses will be re-branded National Express as part of a national scheme by the coach and train company.

Bosses say it will make travel simpler for passengers all over the country as all National Express-owned companies are brought under one organisation.

National Express UK Division was formed on January 1 as part of the new international National Express Group, which saw the compan55y's HQ move to Hagley Road, Birmingham.

The organisation, which employs 16,000 people, includes four train firms, five bus companies, airport and commuter bus services and UK coach services.

It is not yet known whether the Midland Metro, also run by National Express, will include new logos.

TWM has had its name since it merged with National Express in 1995 and had been West Midlands Travel since 1986.

It is not yet known whether the Midland Metro, also run by National Express, will include new logos. TWM has had its name since it merged with National Express in 1995 and had been West Midlands Travel since 1986.

Corporate affairs director Phil Bateman said: "The first people will see of the new brand will be when new buses start hitting the streets in March and when the existing buses go through their normal maintenance."

National Express chief executive Richard Bowker said: "It is important that we have a brand that makes sense to passengers and is easily recognisable as National Express – whether they are travelling on a train, bus, coach, or our airport transfer service."

In November National Express-owned Central Trains lost its franchise to run local train services connecting Wolverhampton with Birmingham to Go-Ahead group's London Midland.