Free evening bus travel for West Midlands this Christmas
FREE weekday evening travel will be offered on busses across the West Midlands in the run up to Christmas to encourage people to enjoy the region's festivities without the stress of driving.
From Monday, December 9 until Friday, December 13, all the region's buses will be free to use from 7pm onwards.
The scheme, which is being delivered by the Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, in partnership with bus operators, has been designed to encourage people to leave the car at home and avoid the stress and expense of driving and parking during the holidays.
Bus travel will be free in these areas (Image: Transport for West Midlands)Whether it is popping out for some last-minute present shopping, heading to the Christmas markets or going to see a pantomime, you can hop on any bus in the region without the need to purchase a ticket.
It is hoped the free bus travel offer will also support shops, restaurants, pubs, theatres and concert venues across the West Midlands.
The scheme is part of a wider programme that aims to encourage more people to use the region's bus network to help tackle congestion on the roads, while supporting the bus industry's recovery from a fall in passengers and increased fuel and running costs post-pandemic.
Richard Parker said: 'From day one, I said that making the bus network better for the people of the West Midlands was one of my top priorities and this offer shows we, in partnership with our bus operators, are taking this challenge seriously by being the only region in the country taking these exciting steps to make a difference.
'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.'
Antony Goozee, Bus Strategy and Commercial Director for National Express West Midlands added: 'Buses continue to be the most popular form of public transport here in the West Midlands and we are committed to working in partnership with the Mayor and Transport for West Midlands to drive continual improvements for passengers, while encouraging people to consider ditching their cars and switching to more sustainable travel choices.
'More people using buses is good for the economy, good for the environment and good for wider society and this exciting free travel offer is one of the ways that we're working together to make it even cheaper and easier for people to travel by bus - there's never been a better time to get onboard.'
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