Free Bus Travel Across the West Midlands this Christmas!
25 November 2024
Free weekday evening travel is being offered across the West Midlands, on all bus services, in the run up to Christmas this year.
Between Monday 9th December and Friday 13th December all of the region’s buses will be free to use from 7pm onwards, with passengers able to simply hop onboard and travel anywhere across the West Midlands network!
Whether you are travelling individually or as a group, passengers will not need to buy a ticket or show their pass during the free travel period, making it even easier and cheaper to enjoy an evening out.
So… if you are heading out for some late-night Christmas shopping, a pantomime or to a festive party, you can leave the car at home and avoid the stress of parking during the busy holiday period and save a few pounds too!
Diamond Bus will be taking part in this fantastic festive offer along with other bus operators across the region, which is being delivered in partnership with Transport for West Midlands and funded by the regions Bus Service Improvement Plan.
With many us heading out for parties, meals, shows and late-night shopping trips, this campaign opens up great opportunities for residents and visitors to explore and support local business during this festive period and make their money go further while supporting our local high streets.
This offer will be valid on all Diamond services after 7pm within the West Midlands nBus Zone area*. (Click here to see the nBus Zone map)
*Please note: On Diamond Bus services, free travel is not available for those travelling outside of or across the nBus boundary into the surrounding shires (Click here to see our WM boundary information page). Other operators in the region may offer different service boundary options, passengers should refer to other operators’ information directly about where this offer will apply for their services. More information about this TfWM Campaign can be found here
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you offering free bus travel?
The Free Evening Christmas Travel offer is designed to help attract new customers to the bus, and has been timed to tie in with late-night Christmas shopping and festive activities in the region. The offer is part-funded through the Bus Service Improvement Plan and is a partnership between bus operators and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).
Why is travel only after 7pm?
To allow regular commuters to complete their journeys without overwhelming services during peak times. Also to promote travel to Christmas shoppers and those attending festive and social events to reduce congestion in towns and city centres.
Do I need a ticket?
No, there will be no need to show a pass or buy a ticket, simply board the bus for free after 7pm. Bus drivers will be recording people boarding the bus so that we can count how many customers we carry.
What if I already bought a ticket for travel in this period – do I get a refund for travelling during these times?
Unfortunately not, as the government funding that supports this scheme is designed to attract new users to the bus network. We are hoping to reward our loyal bus customers soon.
How do I continue to travel/buy tickets outside of this offer?
Tickets will continue to be available to buy for travel outside of this offer onboard and via our website and app. Customers should check what tickets are best value for them if they are going to be travelling inside and outside of the free travel period.
What if I scan my smart card with Swift Go accidentally?
We are putting in place measures to ensure that no additional charges will result from any Swift Go “taps” in the period of free travel.
Can I travel for free on tram/train
No - the offer only applies to travel on buses