NHS workers can now travel to work for free on all National Express West Midlands and National Express Coventry buses.

Working through the West Midlands Bus Alliance, the bus operator has agreed with Transport for West Midlands that it will carry all NHS staff on their services free of charge while they are on their way to and from work.

The free travel for NHS staff will be available from Friday 3 April 2020, all day every day, for getting to work and back.

Customers must show their NHS staff pass to the driver when they get on the bus.

National Express West Midlands’ Commercial Director, Chris Gibbens, said:

“Our customers have been asking for this, so I’m happy to say we’ve worked closely with Transport for West Midlands, via the West Midlands Bus Alliance, to make free travel to work for all NHS staff possible at this time on all National Express bus services - across the West Midlands and Coventry.

“We’d like to say thank you to our NHS heroes for everything they’re doing for the country. And I personally would like to thank all our drivers and engineering teams who are getting these crucial workers to where they need to be every day.”

National Express buses in the West Midlands and Coventry will also carry the children of key workers to and from school free of charge from Friday 3 April 2020. Children of key workers wanting to travel for free on our buses should make sure they have with them the confirmation letter from their school, so they can show it to the bus driver if asked.

Mayor of the West Midlands 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.

“This announcement follows the re-deployment of Ring and Ride buses across the West Midlands, which are now acting as shuttle services for NHS workers from key transport hubs to hospital sites.”

Councillor Ian Ward, WMCA portfolio holder for transport and leader of Birmingham City Council added:

“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.”

The West Midlands Bus Alliance is the forum through which the region’s bus companies, passenger groups and TfWM work together to improve services.

Chair of the Bus Alliance Linda McCord 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."