National Express is celebrating a successful 12 days on the road during the Commonwealth Games.

The transport operator is reporting a positive impact from the international sporting event and cultural festival across its family of UK businesses.

Tom Stables, CEO of National Express UK, explains: “The travel requirement for such a big event meant there was significant additional demand on both our local bus services in the West Midlands and our UK-wide coach network.

“There has been a real spirit of joint partnership working with the Games organisers and all of the local authorities to put a plan in place so that visitors and residents alike could get to and around the region - and it’s been a huge success that we’re proud to have played a part of.”

National Express West Midlands, who operate the local bus service, reached pre-pandemic passenger numbers (110%) for the first time on Sunday 7 August. And National Express Coach, the largest UK operator of scheduled coach services, put on hundreds of extra services to carry people from across the country during the Games.

Tom Stables adds: “Along with the planned diversions for marathons and cycle races affecting local travel networks, we also had to contend with the impact of two days of rail strikes putting extra pressure on our coach operations. It’s been a busy time for the business but our teams have pulled together and delivered a great service for passengers.

“Being based in Birmingham means we’ve experienced the buzz around the city first-hand and it’s been great to see. Our drivers have really enjoyed being part of making people welcome and showing off what a great place the West Midlands is.”

Encouraging use of public transport and active travel was a key priority for the Games sustainability ambition to create a carbon neutral legacy. The dedicated Games transport placed an emphasis on low carbon travel as well as optimising routes.

“We already operate fully electric and hydrogen buses in the West Midlands, helping the city tackle climate change and become a healthier place to live. The Games was a great opportunity to remind people what a great option public transport is for convenience, value and the environment.”