NHS workers can travel for free in West Midlands
NHS staff will be able to travel for free on buses and trams across the West Midlands as they tackle coronavirus.
The key workers only need to show their NHS pass when boarding buses in the region and the West Midlands Metro, transport chiefs said.
It comes as demand has dropped across the network following the Government's lockdown announcement.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: "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."
Staff can travel for free on buses operated by National Express West Midlands, Diamond, Landflight and Claribel Coaches, Banga, Coventry Community Transport, Evergreen (Thandi), Johnsons, Kev's Cars, Select Bus, Travel De Courcey and Walsall Community Transport – along with the West Midlands Metro.
Children of key workers can show their personalised letter – which allows them to continue travelling to school – for free travel.
It follows a move by Transport for West Midlands, part of West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), to use the ring and ride minibus fleet to transport NHS and social care staff.
Councillor Ian Ward, WMCA portfolio holder for transport and leader of Birmingham City Council, said: "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.
"The best thing the rest of us can do to help is stay at home and do not travel unless it is absolutely essential."
Linda McCord, chair of the West Midlands Bus Alliance which works with bus companies, praised the decision.
She said: "Buses and trams provide a critical service to NHS staff to get them to and from their work.
"The free travel offer is the right thing to do. It's good to see the transport sector working together to support those who are in the front line of combating the virus."
