Mayor launches free buses for New Year’s Day following success of Christmas evening offer

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker’s pre-Christmas offer of a free evening bus service saw passenger numbers increase by a third across the region.

Now, working with all of the region’s bus operators, the mayor has announced that there will be a completely free bus service all day throughout New Year’s Day.

Mr Parker 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.

He 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.