It’s good knowing that Birmingham is full of spectacular shopping spots, but the only trouble is getting to them all. It can be difficult and costly to drive across this sprawling city. But that’s one less thing to worry about as we build up towards Christmas.
The Mayor of the West Midlands has unveiled the UK’s biggest free bus travel offer. The offer, delivered in partnership with all bus operators across the region, will see free weekday evening travel on all bus services just before Christmas. It’s designed to get people out of their cars and avoid the stress and expense of driving during these busy holidays.
It’s only happening for a brief period, however, so Brummies should start planning their late-night Christmas shopping now – or what about seeing the pantomime or a trip to Birmingham Christmas Market? There’s honestly so much to discover at Christmas in Birmingham, all of which you can visit for free on the bus.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, 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.”
When can I travel on the bus for free?
The offer is only on for a short time, but all of the region’s buses will be free between Monday, December 9 and Friday, December 13. You will only be able to travel for free from 7PM to 2:59AM the next day – between when passengers can simply hop on and off anywhere across the West Midlands bus network.
The free weekday bus travel scheme is expected to drive a 30% increase in bus passenger journeys. It’s part of a wider programme to attract first-time and long-absent users onto the bus network to help tackle congestion on the region’s roads. The success of the scheme will be monitored to explore the potential for similar initiatives in the future.
To learn more about free bus travel head here.