Export your learner materials as an interactive game, a webpage, or FAQ style cheatsheet.
Unsaved Work Found!
It looks like you have unsaved work from a previous session. Would you like to restore it?
Total Categories: 5
NXWM was founded in August 1996, shortly after the deregulation of bus services in Great Britain.
Answer: False
The source indicates West Midlands Travel (WMT), the predecessor to NXWM, was founded in August 1986, not August 1996. Deregulation of bus services in Great Britain occurred around this period.
West Midlands Travel (WMT) was formed in August 1986 from the bus operations of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive (PTE).
Answer: True
West Midlands Travel (WMT) was formed in August 1986 from the bus operations of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive (PTE).
The Transport Act 1985 caused the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive (PTE) to become the sole bus operator in the region.
Answer: False
The Transport Act 1985 led to the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive (PTE) ceasing to be a bus operator, not becoming the sole operator.
The "London Liner" was a service jointly operated by WMT and London Regional Transport (LRT) between London and Birmingham.
Answer: True
The "London Liner" was a service jointly operated by WMT's Central Coachways subsidiary and London Regional Transport (LRT) between London and Birmingham.
Following deregulation in October 1988, West Midlands Travel reported a profit of approximately £5 million and retained 97% of its network.
Answer: False
Following deregulation in October 1988, West Midlands Travel reported a profit of over £17.6 million and retained 97% of its network, not £5 million.
By 1989, deregulation resulted in a 10% increase in passenger numbers for West Midlands Travel.
Answer: False
By 1989, deregulation resulted in a 10% drop in passenger numbers for West Midlands Travel, not an increase.
Plans for a management buyout of West Midlands Travel were initiated due to pressure from the central government regarding potential company splitting and funding loss for the Midland Metro project.
Answer: True
Plans for a management buyout were initiated due to government pressure regarding potential company splitting and loss of funding for the Midland Metro project.
Brian Souter's bid of £85 million to buy West Midlands Travel was accepted by the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority (WMPTA).
Answer: False
Brian Souter's bid of £85 million to buy West Midlands Travel was rejected by the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority (WMPTA), not accepted.
West Midlands Travel was sold to its management and employees for £70 million in December 1991.
Answer: True
West Midlands Travel was sold to its management and employees for £70 million in December 1991.
During its employee ownership, WMT acquired Merry Hill Motors and Your Bus, but not Metrowest Omnibus.
Answer: False
During its employee ownership, WMT acquired Merry Hill Motors, Your Bus, and Metrowest Omnibus.
In 1994, West Midlands Travel expanded its operations outside its usual area by purchasing County Bus & Coach and Sampson Coaches from the Lynton Group.
Answer: True
In 1994, West Midlands Travel expanded its operations outside its usual area by purchasing County Bus & Coach and Sampson Coaches from the Lynton Group.
West Midlands Travel (WMT) was formed just before the deregulation of bus services in Great Britain.
Answer: True
West Midlands Travel (WMT) was formed in August 1986, which was just before the deregulation of bus services in Great Britain.
In which month and year was National Express West Midlands founded?
Answer: August 1986
National Express West Midlands, through its predecessor West Midlands Travel (WMT), was founded in August 1986, not August 1996.
What was the original name of the company that West Midlands Travel (WMT) was formed from in August 1986?
Answer: West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive (PTE)
West Midlands Travel (WMT) was formed in August 1986 from the bus operations of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive (PTE).
How did the Transport Act 1985 affect the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive (PTE)?
Answer: It caused the PTE to cease being a bus operator.
The Transport Act 1985 mandated that the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive (PTE) cease its role as a direct bus operator.
What happened to the 'London Liner' service after London Regional Transport (LRT) withdrew its participation?
Answer: WMT's Central Coachways subsidiary continued operating it alone.
After London Regional Transport (LRT) withdrew its participation in the 'London Liner' service, WMT's Central Coachways subsidiary continued to operate it independently.
Following 18 months of deregulation, what financial success did West Midlands Travel report in October 1988?
Answer: A profit of £17.6 million and retention of 97% of its network.
Following 18 months of deregulation, West Midlands Travel reported a profit of over £17.6 million and retained 97% of its network.
What negative impact did deregulation have on West Midlands Travel by 1989?
Answer: A 10% drop in passenger numbers, leading to fare increases.
By 1989, deregulation led to a 10% drop in passenger numbers for West Midlands Travel, resulting in fare increases and network adjustments.
Which of the following was a reason for the initiation of management buyout plans for West Midlands Travel?
Answer: Pressure from the central government threatening to split the company.
Pressure from the central government, including threats to split the company and potential loss of funding for the Midland Metro project, prompted the initiation of management buyout plans.
What was the outcome of Brian Souter's £85 million bid for West Midlands Travel?
Answer: The bid was rejected by the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority.
Brian Souter's £85 million bid to purchase West Midlands Travel was rejected by the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority (WMPTA).
How much did West Midlands Travel sell for to its management and employees in December 1991?
Answer: £70 million
West Midlands Travel was sold to its management and employees for £70 million in December 1991.
What was the financial outcome for West Midlands Travel in October 1988, 18 months after deregulation?
Answer: A profit of £17.6 million
In October 1988, approximately 18 months after deregulation, West Midlands Travel reported a profit of £17.6 million.
What was the approximate profit reported by West Midlands Travel in October 1988?
Answer: £17.6 million
In October 1988, approximately 18 months after deregulation, West Midlands Travel reported a profit of £17.6 million.
In 1988, West Midlands Travel introduced a new livery of green and yellow for its bus fleet.
Answer: False
In 1988, West Midlands Travel introduced a new livery of silver, blue, and red, not green and yellow.
In 1994, West Midlands Travel rebranded its fleetnames to "National Express Buses" as part of a strategy for a potential stock exchange flotation.
Answer: False
In 1994, West Midlands Travel rebranded its fleetnames to "WM Buses" as part of a strategy for a potential stock exchange flotation, not "National Express Buses".
National Express Group acquired West Midlands Travel from employee ownership in March 1995 for £85 million.
Answer: True
National Express Group acquired West Midlands Travel from employee ownership in March 1995 for £85 million.
Employee shareholders received average windfall gains of approximately £10,000 when WMT was sold to National Express Group.
Answer: False
Employee shareholders received average windfall gains of approximately £30,000 when WMT was sold to National Express Group, not £10,000.
Travel West Midlands was rebranded to National Express West Midlands in February 2008.
Answer: True
Travel West Midlands was rebranded to National Express West Midlands in February 2008.
The company's branding evolved from "Travel West Midlands" to "National Express West Midlands" in 2008.
Answer: True
The company's branding evolved from "Travel West Midlands" to "National Express West Midlands" in 2008.
What was the primary colour scheme introduced in the 1988 rebranding of West Midlands Travel?
Answer: Silver, blue, and red
The 1988 rebranding of West Midlands Travel introduced a new livery featuring silver, blue, and red.
What was the strategic intent behind rebranding the fleetnames to "WM Buses" in 1994?
Answer: To prepare for a potential flotation on the London Stock Exchange.
The rebranding to 'WM Buses' in 1994 was part of a strategy to prepare for a potential flotation on the London Stock Exchange.
When National Express Group acquired West Midlands Travel in March 1995, what was the approximate average financial gain for employee shareholders?
Answer: £30,000
When National Express Group acquired West Midlands Travel in March 1995, employee shareholders received average windfall gains of approximately £30,000.
Which entity did National Express Group acquire West Midlands Travel from in March 1995?
Answer: Employee ownership
National Express Group acquired West Midlands Travel from employee ownership in March 1995.
Which of the following was a rebranding initiative undertaken by West Midlands Travel in 1988?
Answer: Introduction of a new silver, blue, and red livery.
A key rebranding initiative in 1988 for West Midlands Travel was the introduction of a new silver, blue, and red livery.
When was Travel West Midlands rebranded to National Express West Midlands?
Answer: February 2008
Travel West Midlands was rebranded to National Express West Midlands in February 2008.
The headquarters of National Express West Midlands is located in Manchester.
Answer: False
The headquarters of National Express West Midlands is located in Digbeth, Birmingham, not Manchester.
National Express West Midlands primarily operates services within the North West region of England.
Answer: False
National Express West Midlands primarily operates services within the West Midlands region of England, not the North West region.
As of June 2024, National Express West Midlands operates a fleet of approximately 1,000 buses and coaches.
Answer: False
As of June 2024, National Express West Midlands operates a fleet of over 1,600 buses and coaches, not approximately 1,000.
In November 1992, the Vehicle Inspectorate found significant maintenance issues with over 150 of West Midlands Travel's fleet vehicles.
Answer: False
In November 1992, the Vehicle Inspectorate found significant maintenance issues with 108 vehicles, not over 150, and 66 were prohibited from service.
National Express West Midlands achieved its goal of having a fully low-floor bus fleet by July 2010.
Answer: True
National Express West Midlands achieved its goal of having a fully low-floor bus fleet by July 2010.
The premium "Platinum" brand of buses was launched by National Express West Midlands in 2015.
Answer: True
The premium "Platinum" brand of buses was launched by National Express West Midlands in 2015.
Platinum range buses offer features like extra legroom, high-backed seats, and free Wi-Fi, but lack next-stop announcements.
Answer: False
Platinum range buses offer features like extra legroom, high-backed seats, and free Wi-Fi, and also include next-stop announcements on supported services.
The Platinum brand was expanded into the Black Country in 2016 and into areas like Harborne in December 2017.
Answer: True
The Platinum brand was expanded into the Black Country in 2016 and into areas like Harborne in December 2017.
As of April 2025, National Express West Midlands operates 170 electric buses.
Answer: False
As of April 2025, National Express West Midlands has a total of 329 electric buses in operation, not 170.
Free Wi-Fi was removed from the Platinum fleet in January 2024 due to its high usage by passengers.
Answer: False
Free Wi-Fi was removed from the Platinum fleet in January 2024 because less than 1% of passengers were using the service, not due to high usage.
As of June 2024, National Express West Midlands operates from nine garages across the region.
Answer: False
As of June 2024, National Express West Midlands operates from eight garages, not nine.
The new Perry Barr garage, opened in December 2022, includes infrastructure for charging electric buses and a bus driving simulator.
Answer: True
The new Perry Barr garage, opened in December 2022, includes infrastructure for charging electric buses and a bus driving simulator.
The Bordesley Green garage closed in 2022 because its land was sold for redevelopment, leading the head office to relocate to Coventry.
Answer: False
The Bordesley Green garage closed in 2022 due to land sale for redevelopment, but the head office relocated to Digbeth, Birmingham, not Coventry.
The Walsall bus garage was sold to the West Midlands Combined Authority in preparation for bus franchising and the introduction of hydrogen buses.
Answer: True
The Walsall bus garage was sold to the West Midlands Combined Authority in preparation for bus franchising and the introduction of hydrogen buses.
Travel West Midlands aimed to be the first UK operator of a double-decker low-floor bus with the delivery of Optare Spectra bodied DAF DB250LFs in October 1997.
Answer: True
Travel West Midlands aimed to be the first UK operator of a double-decker low-floor bus with the delivery of Optare Spectra bodied DAF DB250LFs in October 1997, though another operator achieved this first.
The MCW Metrobus was purchased in 1988 and remained a key part of the fleet until its withdrawal in July 2010.
Answer: True
The MCW Metrobus was purchased in 1988 and remained a key part of the fleet until its withdrawal in July 2010, coinciding with the achievement of a fully low-floor fleet.
Alternatively fuelled buses, specifically CNG powered Volvo B10Ls, were first introduced to the fleet in 1997.
Answer: True
Alternatively fuelled buses, specifically CNG powered Volvo B10Ls, were first introduced to the fleet in 1997.
NXWM previously operated five travel shops, including one at Birmingham New Street station.
Answer: False
NXWM previously operated five travel shops, but none were located at Birmingham New Street station; locations included Dudley, Coventry Pool Meadow, West Bromwich, Birmingham Corporation Street, and Walsall.
National Express West Midlands closed its travel shops in October 2021 due to a significant increase in footfall.
Answer: False
National Express West Midlands closed its travel shops in October 2021 due to a shift in customer preference towards online purchasing and a decrease in footfall, not an increase.
The BYD Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV bus, photographed in Solihull in July 2024, is often part of NXWM's premium Platinum service.
Answer: True
The BYD Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV bus, photographed in Solihull in July 2024, is often part of NXWM's premium Platinum service.
Where is the headquarters of National Express West Midlands located?
Answer: Digbeth, Birmingham
The headquarters of National Express West Midlands is located in Digbeth, Birmingham.
Approximately how many buses does National Express West Midlands operate as of June 2024?
Answer: Over 1,600
As of June 2024, National Express West Midlands operates a fleet of over 1,600 buses and coaches.
What issue was identified by the Vehicle Inspectorate regarding West Midlands Travel's fleet in November 1992?
Answer: A significant number of vehicles were poorly maintained, with issues like faulty brakes.
In November 1992, the Vehicle Inspectorate identified significant maintenance issues, including faulty brakes, in a number of West Midlands Travel's fleet vehicles.
What significant fleet transition was completed by National Express West Midlands in July 2010?
Answer: The withdrawal of the last MCW Metrobuses, achieving a fully low-floor fleet.
In July 2010, National Express West Midlands completed the transition to a fully low-floor bus fleet with the withdrawal of the last MCW Metrobuses.
Which premium feature is mentioned as being part of the Platinum range of buses?
Answer: USB charging ports
The Platinum range of buses offers premium features, including USB charging ports on select routes.
Why was free Wi-Fi removed from the Platinum fleet in January 2024?
Answer: Less than 1% of passengers were using the Wi-Fi service.
Free Wi-Fi was removed from the Platinum fleet in January 2024 because usage was very low, with less than 1% of passengers utilizing the service.
Which of the following is a key feature of the new Perry Barr garage opened in December 2022?
Answer: It includes infrastructure for charging electric buses.
The new Perry Barr garage, opened in December 2022, features infrastructure for charging electric buses, alongside other modern amenities.
Where did the head office of National Express West Midlands relocate after the Bordesley Green garage closure in 2022?
Answer: Digbeth, Birmingham
Following the closure of the Bordesley Green garage in 2022, the head office relocated to the National Express Group headquarters in Digbeth, Birmingham.
What was the significance of the Optare Spectra bodied DAF DB250LFs delivered in October 1997?
Answer: They were intended to be the first UK double-decker low-floor bus in service.
The Optare Spectra bodied DAF DB250LFs delivered in October 1997 were significant as Travel West Midlands aimed for them to be the first UK double-decker low-floor bus in service.
What type of alternatively fuelled buses were first introduced to the fleet in 1997?
Answer: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses
Alternatively fuelled buses, specifically Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered Volvo B10Ls, were first introduced to the fleet in 1997.
Why did NXWM close its travel shops in October 2021?
Answer: All of the above.
NXWM closed its travel shops in October 2021 due to a significant shift in customer preference towards online purchasing and reduced footfall, which also implies a reduction in operational costs and the need for digital alternatives like automated ticket machines.
Which of the following was NOT a feature offered on the Platinum range of buses?
Answer: On-board catering
Features offered on the Platinum range of buses include extra legroom, free Wi-Fi, and next-stop announcements; on-board catering is not mentioned as a feature.
What type of bus is the BYD Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV mentioned in the source?
Answer: A zero-emission electric double-decker
The BYD Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV is a zero-emission electric double-decker bus model used by NXWM.
What was the primary reason cited for the closure of NXWM's travel shops in October 2021?
Answer: All of the above.
The primary reasons cited for the closure of NXWM's travel shops in October 2021 included a shift in customer preference towards online purchasing, the replacement of services with digital platforms, and a reduction in operational costs.
What goal did National Express West Midlands achieve in July 2010 concerning its fleet?
Answer: Achieving a fully low-floor bus fleet.
In July 2010, National Express West Midlands achieved its goal of operating a fully low-floor bus fleet.
Which bus garage was sold to the West Midlands Combined Authority in preparation for bus franchising?
Answer: Walsall
The Walsall bus garage was sold to the West Midlands Combined Authority in preparation for bus franchising and the introduction of hydrogen buses.
Which of the following bus models is mentioned as being part of the Platinum fleet?
Answer: Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMCs
The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMCs are among the bus models typically utilized in the Platinum fleet.
Which of the following was a service previously offered by NXWM's travel shops?
Answer: Selling National Express coach tickets.
Previously, NXWM's travel shops offered services such as selling National Express coach tickets, alongside Travelcards and customer information.
What was the approximate number of vehicles prohibited from service due to maintenance issues found in November 1992?
Answer: 66
In November 1992, approximately 66 vehicles were prohibited from service due to maintenance issues found by the Vehicle Inspectorate.
The Sprint cross-city bus rapid transit service was first announced in July 2014.
Answer: True
The Sprint cross-city bus rapid transit service was first announced in July 2014.
The initial vision for the Sprint service was a route linking Birmingham city centre and Walsall via Hagley Road.
Answer: False
The initial vision for the Sprint service was a route linking Birmingham city centre and Quinton via Hagley Road, described as 'Metro's Little Sister'.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games influenced plans to expand the Sprint network with routes to Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, and Walsall.
Answer: True
The 2022 Commonwealth Games influenced plans to expand the Sprint network with routes to Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, and Walsall.
Phase 1 of the Sprint network, completed in May 2022, involved the introduction of bus lanes and priority junctions on the A34 and A45 roads.
Answer: True
Phase 1 of the Sprint network, completed in May 2022, involved the introduction of bus lanes and priority junctions on the A34 and A45 roads.
National Express aims to operate a completely zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.
Answer: False
National Express aims to operate a completely zero-emission bus fleet by 2030, not 2035.
By 2024, 124 hydrogen buses are planned for the NXWM fleet, aiming to give Birmingham the largest hydrogen bus fleet in Europe.
Answer: True
By 2024, 124 hydrogen buses are planned for the NXWM fleet, aiming to give Birmingham the largest hydrogen bus fleet in Europe.
The 'Health Bus' is a Mobico Group initiative that provides health checks exclusively to National Express West Midlands employees.
Answer: False
The 'Health Bus' is a Mobico Group initiative that provides health checks and support to employees across the entire group, not exclusively to NXWM employees.
The Health Bus offers physical health checks including BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol assessments.
Answer: True
The Health Bus offers physical health checks including BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol assessments.
What was the initial vision for the Sprint service, described as 'Metro's Little Sister'?
Answer: A bus rapid transit service connecting Birmingham city centre and Quinton via Hagley Road.
The initial vision for the Sprint service, described as 'Metro's Little Sister,' was a bus rapid transit route connecting Birmingham city centre and Quinton via Hagley Road.
What is National Express's commitment regarding its bus fleet by the year 2030?
Answer: To operate a completely zero-emission bus fleet.
National Express has committed to operating a completely zero-emission bus fleet by 2030.
What is the purpose of the Mobico Group's 'Health Bus'?
Answer: To offer health checks and support to employees across the group.
The 'Health Bus' operated by Mobico Group serves the purpose of offering health checks and support to employees across the entire group.
What commitment has National Express made regarding diesel buses from 2020 onwards for its West Midlands operations?
Answer: To exclusively acquire zero-emission vehicles.
From 2020 onwards, National Express committed to exclusively acquiring zero-emission vehicles for its West Midlands operations, ceasing purchases of diesel buses.
What health assessments are provided by the 'Health Bus' operated by Mobico Group?
Answer: Physical health checks like BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
The Health Bus provides employees with physical health checks, including assessments of BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
What is the stated goal for Birmingham regarding its hydrogen bus fleet by 2024?
Answer: To have the largest hydrogen bus fleet in Europe.
By 2024, Birmingham aims to possess the largest hydrogen bus fleet in Europe, with 124 hydrogen buses planned for the NXWM fleet.
National Express West Midlands (NXWM) is a subsidiary of the Mobico Group, formerly known as National Express Group.
Answer: True
National Express West Midlands (NXWM) operates as a subsidiary of Mobico Group, which was formerly known as the National Express Group. The Health Bus initiative is managed by NXWM for the entire Mobico Group.
Alex Jensen is the current Chief Executive of National Express West Midlands.
Answer: True
Alex Jensen is identified as the current Chief Executive of National Express West Midlands.
What is the primary function of National Express West Midlands (NXWM)?
Answer: Providing bus services within the West Midlands region of England.
National Express West Midlands (NXWM) is primarily responsible for providing bus services within the West Midlands region of England.
Who is the parent company of National Express West Midlands?
Answer: Mobico Group
The parent company of National Express West Midlands is Mobico Group, formerly known as National Express Group.