Town Council-backed transport scheme provides festive boost to businesses and shoppers

Shoppers and businesses in Sutton Coldfield are set to receive a boost over the festive period – with the return of a Town Council-backed transport scheme.

Funding of £52,000 from Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council will subsidise parking and bus travel for visitors.

Free parking and cycle hire are also available as part of the scheme.

From 13 November 2025 to 4 January, 2026, Birmingham City Council-operated car parks will offer free parking after 4pm on Thursdays and Fridays and all day at weekends.

The offer is available at car parks in Station Street, Upper and Lower Reddicroft, Mill Street, Anchorage Road, South Parade and Duke Street.

In addition, individuals can take advantage of two weeks’ free bus travel and ongoing discounted fares by accessing the West Midlands Bus Scheme offered through Transport for the West Midlands (TfWM).

For more information and to gain access to the free tickets, individuals will need to sign up to the Town Council mailing list by 10am on Monday 10 November 2025, when further details and a code will be detailed in an e-newsletter.

Residents also have the opportunity to cycle for free to the town centre as part of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s public hire cycle scheme, which Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council helps to fund. 

Councillor Simon Ward, leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, said: “Subsidising free car parking and promoting free bus travel and cycle hire will make it cheaper and easier for people to travel into the town centre and make the most of the town centre’s festive offer.

“We also want to offer visitors a choice of different ways to travel to the town centre, including opportunities to try more sustainable options such as bus travel and cycling.”

Councillor Majid Mahmood, Birmingham City Council, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport said: "This is great news for residents who will be able to save a bit of money at what can be an expensive time of year, and I would encourage people to visit the town to support local businesses and enjoy everything Sutton Coldfield has to offer.”

Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, said: "Offering free bus travel and cycle hire will make it easier and more affordable for everyone to visit Sutton Coldfield, enjoy the Christmas lights, and see what this delightful town centre has to offer during the festive season.”