'Enjoy the free ride and make 2025 the bus's year'

Free bus services have been announced in the West Midlands on New Year's Day.

The move is to encourage people to leave the car at home and avoid the stress and expense of driving and parking during the busy holiday period.

Mayor Richard Parker said it meant that everyone could travel for free to see friends, watch their local football team play or have a meal out.

The region's bus operators will generally be running a Sunday timetable, although some services may finish earlier. The free travel applies to all Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) routes, with times published for the day.

The mayor said a pre-Christmas offer of free evening buses had seen passenger numbers increase by a third.

Parker said: "When bus travel is affordable and accessible, people will choose it.

"At a time when finances are tight, it's a small gesture to make life a little easier."

No tickets or vouchers will be needed, he said, adding: "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 the pre-Christmas offer had helped bus operators showcase the convenience of travelling by bus, and firms were looking forward to the New Year's Day scheme.

He said: "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."

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