600 Ring and Ride jobs saved as National Express vows to improve service
National Express has vowed to improve services and boost staff pay on its new Ring and Ride service.
The bus operator stepped in to take over the contract after ATG's collapse into administration in March put services at risk for 12,300 registered users across the region.
And bosses say passengers can expect a better standard of service, while the 600 staff who have transferred over from ATG will benefit from improved training and better pay.
David Bradford, managing director of National Express West Midlands, said: “We’re very happy to have been able to safeguard 600 jobs as well as these vital community services.
“It’s a matter of great pride that all our new colleagues are now being paid the Real Living Wage.
“We’re already investing in world-class training alongside new technology and improved vehicles, to make the Ring and Ride service even better.”
National Express will run the door-to-door service through its West Midlands Accessible Transport (WMAT) arm.
It has been supported with £7.1m of funding per year from Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
The new contract has been welcomed by Mayor Andy Street, who said: "It is great news that National Express West Midlands has taken over the Ring and Ride contract.
“Not only will the takeover mean business as usual, with users of the service making bookings the same way and dealing with the same staff, but there will also be improvements for both users and staff. The latter in particular can expect to receive better training and, in some cases, a pay rise.
“I look forward to TfWM working closely with National Express to make sure the Ring and Ride service is the best it can be, especially as we look towards the future and embrace new technology.”
Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council and the WMCA's transport lead, said: “When the previous operator collapsed, we were clear that funding for Ring and Ride remained available and that everyone must be able to book, change or cancel their journey in the same way as before.
“I’d really like to thank the dedicated staff of ATG, who have continued to provide the service during a difficult time for them. I’m pleased that the service has continued uninterrupted thanks to them, National Express West Midlands and the administrators.”
The Travel Assist school transport service for Birmingham Council will also continue under WMAT.
