Birmingham Connected - Christmas in Birmingham
Christmas Travel in Birmingham
Are you travelling into Birmingham over the festive period? You can help reduce congestion by being mindful of when and how you travel:
- Use public transport, walk, wheel or cycle wherever possible
- Think about when you travel. Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest time. Consider visiting on a Saturday morning, Sunday, or a weekday/evening instead.
- West Midlands Cycle Hire and Beryl e-scooters are two fantastic ways of getting around the city.
- If you do choose to drive, be mindful of the Clean Air Zone. Check to see if your vehicle is compliant, and if not, be aware that you will have to pay the charge.
- Keep in mind that the Bullring car parks are generally the first to fill up, you can find alternative city centre car parks on the BCC website.
We hope you have a happy Christmas! The Connected Inbox will not be monitored between Christmas and New Year, from Friday 22 December to Tuesday 2 January, so any emails received will be replied to after this time.
Network Rail disruption
There are planned essential engineering works and upgrades taking place over the Christmas period, as Network Rail works to improve the railway. It is advised that you plan your journeys over the Christmas and New Year period in advance. Some train services will be affected and there will be disruption on many routes between Christmas Eve and Tuesday 2 January 2024. Find out more on the National Rail website #ChristmasRailWorks
ASLEF, the trade union representing train drivers, has also announced there will be an overtime ban taking place between Friday 1 December and Saturday 9 December. Plan your travel ahead of time to avoid disruption.
Sustrans Winter Walking and Wheeling Challenge
If you would like to spend more time walking or wheeling around your local neighbourhood, why not take part in the Sustrans Winter Walking and Wheeling Challenge. This competition runs between 1 December 2023 to 7 January 2024. Scan the QR code above to get involved.
Discover the Snowdogs in Birmingham
West Midlands Metro
Visiting Centenary Square, Brindleyplace or Five Ways? The West Midlands Metro (Tram) is a great way to travel, with several stops to hop on in the city centre, including Grand Central which is located just outside New Street Station. The Metro runs every 10 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes after 7pm, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, every 12 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes after 7pm.
The Metro network continues to be expanded, helping to improve the region's transport links. Check out the Programme Route Map to see the existing routes, the extensions under construction, and the extensions in development. The Eastside extension track works in Digbeth are due to be largely completed by the end of 2023, although some paving works will be ongoing in 2024.
West Midlands bus network survey
Take part in the Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) survey to support the future of the West Midlands bus network.
The impact of the pandemic and cost of living crisis means that some bus services may not be able to run in the future unless additional funding is identified. TfWM are currently undertaking some important research to understand how businesses will be affected if bus services are to be reduced further in the region. This survey seeks to determine the implications this will have on businesses, customers and staff in particular.
You can fill in the survey on behalf of your business. There is also a travel to work survey, to share with employees.
By filling in the survey employees can gain the chance to win one of 10 prizes of £200 in Amazon Vouchers - just in time for Christmas! The closing date for entries is 9am Monday 18th December 2023. If you have any questions please contact transportresearch@tfwm.org.uk.
Have your say
Proposed Holyhead Traffic Management Scheme (South) and (North)
Residents have raised concerns about the safety of the roads in this area and have asked for the introduction of a one-way system to help alleviate their concerns and parking issues. Consultation closes Sunday 10 December 2023.
Creating an Active Birmingham Strategy Consultation
Birmingham City Council has been working with lots of organisations and individuals to develop a draft Creating an Active Birmingham Strategy to get more people active. The strategy aims to address low levels of physical activity and focuses on developing opportunities for people to build physical activity into everyday life, through active living, active recreation, and active travel. Consultation closes January 15, 2024.
Dates for the diary
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market - from 2 November to 24 December
Birmingham Ice Skate and Big Wheel - from 2 November to 7 January
Christmas in Cathedral Square – from 15 November to 17 December
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