UK’s biggest free bus travel offer unveiled for the West Midlands ahead of Christmas

Free weekday evening travel is being offered across the West Midlands, on all bus services, in the run up to Christmas this year.

Between Monday 9th December and Friday 13th December all of the region’s buses will be free to use from 7pm onwards, with passengers able to simply hop onboard and travel anywhere across the West Midlands bus network.

The offer, from the Mayor of the West Midlands, delivered in partnership with all bus operators across the region, has been designed to encourage people to leave the car at home and avoid the stress and expense of driving and parking during the busy holiday period.

Residents and visitors heading out for some late-night Christmas shopping, a pantomime or to a festive party will not need a ticket or pass during the free travel period, making it even easier and cheaper to enjoy an evening out.

Improving bus services and making transport more accessible to communities across the West Midlands has been a priority for the Mayor since taking office this year. The free bus travel offer highlights the importance of bus services, while supporting the region’s shops, restaurants, pubs, theatres and concert venues.

It is part of a wider programme to attract first time and long absent users on to the bus network to help tackle congestion on the region’s roads, while supporting the bus industry’s recovery from a fall in passenger numbers and increased fuel and running costs post-pandemic.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “So many of us will be heading out for parties, meals, stage shows and late-night shopping trips this Christmas. But it can be an expensive time of year, and I hope this free travel offer can help people save a few pounds, make their money go further and see the benefit of travelling by bus while visiting their local high streets and enjoying what our region has to offer this festive season.”

Staff from TfWM and National Express West Midlands will be on hand at key city centre locations to help customers and make sure the scheme runs smoothly during the week.

The free weekday bus travel scheme is expected to drive a 30% increase in bus passenger journeys. The success of the scheme will be monitored to explore the potential for similar initiatives in the future.

For more information click here: www.tfwm.org.uk/freebustravel