THOSE returning to work and school this month are being asked to plan ahead and consider going by bike or walking, as traffic is expected to be the busiest it’s been since the start of the pandemic.
Across the region the first weeks of September are usually busy as up to 100,000 children return to classrooms and people return to work after the summer break.
But with coronavirus restrictions having been lifted, this year will see many more people returning to workplaces for the first time in more than a year.
This will provide a vital boost to footfall in our town and city centres, ensuring the region is open for business, but will also see an increase in traffic at peak times.
So, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) is asking commuters and parents on the school run to consider making their journeys by walking or cycling.
For those with a longer commute the plea is that where possible, they use public transport and travel at less busy times of the day or week to keep the region moving.
Meanwhile the Regional Transport Coordination Centre will monitor the local road, rail, tram and bus networks around the clock to respond to incidents, roadworks and congestion and provide commuters with the latest travel information and advice.
Three and seven-day fare capping has been introduced this summer and adds great value when using Swift Go on trams and most buses in the region.
National Express West Midlands has revised the bus timetables to meet expected demand.
Bus fares have been cut across the region to encourage people onto public transport and the prices reduced in the nbus sale offer tickets that can be used on all buses in the West Midlands.
For young adults, the 16-18 photocard allows those eligible to continue to purchase child tickets saving them 50 per cent on travel to school, college and work.
West Midlands Cycle Hire is, from September 6, waiving the £1 unlock fee for users riding its bikes between 6am and 11am – meaning, for example, a 10-minute ride now costs 50p instead of £1.50.
