, Mayor of the West
Midlands, has launched the offer to encourage people to leave the
car at home and avoid the stress and expense of driving and
parking during the busy holiday period. It means everyone across
the region can leave the car at home and travel for free to see
friends, their local football team play or have a meal out.
The Mayor said: “Our free bus initiative earlier this month
proved that when bus travel is affordable and accessible, people
will choose it. That's why I've already taken steps to bring our
bus network under greater public control to make services work
better for everyone in the West Midlands.
“In the meantime, I'm delighted to offer initiatives like this
one - free bus travel across the region for everyone. At a time
when finances are tight, it's a small gesture to make life a
little easier.
“This is the biggest free travel offer of its kind anywhere in
the country. No tickets or vouchers are needed - just hop on,
enjoy the ride, and let's make 2025 the year of the bus.”
Antony Goozee, bus strategy and commercial director for National
Express, said: “By working in partnership with the Mayor and
Transport for West Midlands the free travel offer has helped
local bus operators to showcase the convenience of travelling by
bus, so we're looking forward to taking our customers to where
they need to be, for free, on New Year's Day.
“Choosing to travel by bus is a great way to travel sustainably
and we hope that this offer will attract even more people to give
the bus a go during 2025. It's worth remembering that one double
decker bus can take up to 75 cars off the road - that means
faster, cleaner, and more reliable journeys for everyone.”
In general the region's bus operators will be running a Sunday
timetable service on New Year's Day from 7am – although some
services may end earlier in the evening. Check the TfWM website for routes
and times before travelling.
The free bus offer is part of a £20 million incentive programme,
funded by Government through the Bus Service Improvement Plan, to
encourage more people to use the bus. Other initiatives include a
try-before-you-buy scheme offering free travel passes to
businesses to encourage their staff to swap from car to bus for
their daily commute.
