‘Free bus days’ to help the poor and tackle congestion Lib Dem mayoral candidate manifesto pledge

FREE bus passes on the first Saturday of each month are part of a package of congestion and pollution-busting policies pledged by Liberal Democrat West Midlands mayoral candidate Beverley Nielsen in her manifesto launched this week.

She also promised a bike hire scheme based on London’s famous Boris Bikes and the expansion of the Metro and rail network across the region including reopeing lines serving Moseley, Stourbridge and Lichfield.

Her manifesto, launched at the regional Liberal Democrat conference in Wolverhampton, also restated the pledge to give free public transport for 16 to 25-year-olds to help them find and afford to get to work.

The free bus passes would also be available to all once a month – on the first Saturday – to encourage greater use of public transport and enable hard-up families to enjoy days out.

Further transport pledges include a universal smart ticket system across all public transport.

The candidate, who works for the Birmingham City University, said that she was a genuine and viable alternative to the Conservative and Labour front runners Andy Street and Siôn Simon.

She said: “We stand at a moment of transformation, as the developed world embraces new technologies and new ways of living and working are rapidly evolved.

“To take advantage of these changes, we must invest now to become the self-made place, remember our long and proud industrial heritage, but look to the future. We must also invest in our small and mediumsized businesses, in our people and in our communities, and deliver shared growth across the region.

“Brexit brings great risks to our future, but I will strengthen our links with Europe and the rest of the world, promoting the best deals for our manufacturing heartland within the Single Market, and making the West Midlands the place to do business, in a modern, welcoming and cohesive society.”