Region’s Catch The Bus Month celebrations start with Coventry event

This September marks the celebration of Catch the Bus Month, organised by Bus Users UK, and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) participated by hosting an event at Millennium Place in Coventry.

On Thursday (14 September), between 11 am and 4 pm, TfWM staff were outside the transport museum at Millennium Place, offering an exciting line-up of activities. Visitors could experience a National Express West Midlands bus simulator, explore an electric bus, and even had the chance to win fantastic prizes.

This event was a part of an ongoing celebration of Catch the Bus Month, showcasing the benefits of sustainable and inclusive bus travel in West Midlands, and encourages all to make use of their local bus services.

Attendees were welcome to participate on this date to discover the world of buses. TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), outlined the commitment to providing reliable transportation services in the region.

Throughout the month-long celebration, additional events will take place in various West Midlands locations, including Dudley and Wolverhampton. These gatherings will feature an exciting array of attractions, including vintage buses, wrapped buses, simulation experiences, and information on all the great work and offers West Midlands Bus has to offer.

Laura Shoaf, chief executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), said: "By taking part in Catch the Bus Month we are underscoring our commitment to providing and supporting sustainable, inclusive and accessible transport services throughout the West Midlands.

“The bus is the workhorse of the transport network, carrying up to 250 million journeys a year! We hope that this celebration will highlight the importance of bus travel in stimulating economic growth, reducing environmental impact, and strengthening community bonds. We aim to encourage more people to use buses, recognising the numerous benefits they provide to our community."

Buses are good for our health, good for the economy and good for the environment. Pre-Covid, bus passengers boosted the UK economy by £64 billion each year, as well as reducing congestion, pollution, loneliness, and social isolation.

Claire Walters, Chief Executive of Bus Users UK the charity behind Catch the Bus Month said: “Buses are a lifeline for millions and bring huge health, social and environmental benefits to us all. As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, we need affordable, sustainable transport more than ever so it’s great to see Transport for West Midlands celebrating these vital services and encouraging more people to get on board.”

Alex Jensen, CEO of National Express UK, added: “As the largest bus operator in the West Midlands we’re proud to be leading the way in running more sustainable transport choices for our customers; that’s why we’ve committed to a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2030. There has never been a better time for people to ditch their cars and switch to the bus to get around - not only is it good for the environment, but it also helps to reduce congestion on our busy roads and is an affordable way to travel.”

To find out more about Catch the Bus Month visit www.bususers.org/catchthebusmonth or email catchthebus@bususers.org