Free bus and tram travel for NHS staff in West Midlands during coronavirus outbreak

NHS staff will get free travel on all buses and trams in the West Midlands as they go to work to battle the coronavirus pandemic. Local bus operators and West Midlands Metro have teamed up to allow anyone working in our hospitals and frontline medical facilities to travel for free during the outbreak by showing their NHS pass.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street says: “We want to do as much as we can to support our NHS workers at this difficult time, and I am delighted that our bus companies and the Midland Metro have stepped up to offer free services.

“This is just a small way in which we can help all those people who, while many of us are safely staying at home, are going into busy hospitals to help save lives.”

NHS staff can show their work passes and travel for free on buses operated by National Express West Midlands, Diamond, Landflight and Claribel, Banga, Coventry Community Transport, Evergreen (Thandi), Johnsons, Kev’s Cars, Select Bus, Travel De Courcey and Walsall Community Transport as well as West Midlands Metro services.

Children of key workers travelling to school are also eligible for free travel on production of their personalised letter allowing them to continue to attend school during this period.

The free travel offer comes after Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), launched free shuttle bus services for NHS and social care staff serving key locations, by redeploying the ring and ride minibus fleet.

Ian Ward, WMCA portfolio holder for transport and leader of Birmingham City Council adds: “Our transport operators have really stepped up here, not only are they keeping buses and trams running all day they are now offering the NHS staff free travel.

“We are advising that only those making essential journeys, such as key workers, those collecting necessary food or medical supplies and those supporting the vulnerable use public transport at this time.”