Mayor Richard Parker said the initiative will help people 'make their money go further' this Christmas
Residents in Coventry are being offered free bus travel in the run-up to Christmas. People can jump on a bus in the city from 7pm onwards from Monday, December 9 to Friday, December 13.
Anyone heading to a Christmas party, late-night shopping, or seeing a pre-Christmas show will not need a pass or a ticket and can just jump on a bus anywhere from Coventry and Solihull to Birmingham and the Black Country. It is valid from 7pm to 2.59am the next day on each of the five days and covers all bus operators, including National Express, Stagecoach, and Diamond.
Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker said the weekday offer has 'never been seen before on this scale in the UK.' Its aim is to see those going out 'leave the car at home and avoid the stress and expense of driving and parking during the busy holiday period.'
Mr 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.”
He continued: “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 Transport for West Midlands and National Express will be at key city centre locations to help people and make sure the five-day scheme 'runs smoothly.' It is expected to increase bus passenger journeys by 30 per cent during this period.
Antony Goozee, Bus Strategy and Commercial Director for National Express West Midlands, said: “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 are working together to make it even cheaper and easier for people to travel by bus.”
Transport for West Midlands said the initiative is part of the £20m Passenger Incentive Programme, which is funded from the West Midlands Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). It aims to encourage people to try bus travel for the first time or return after a period of absence to support a passenger-led recovery of the bus network in the West Midlands.
Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2024 11:24 pm