Clean Air Zone is here

Watch the launch of Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone.

The Clean Air Zone (CAZ) scheme covers Birmingham city centre and targets high-polluting vehicles with a charge of £8 if they are not compliant to certain criteria. Luckily for our customers, our buses are already Clean Air Zone ready so we don’t get charged the eight pounds, and neither do you.

To mark the launch on Tuesday a non toxic smoke was emitted into the air from the roof of the iconic Library of Birmingham. This represented the amount of nitrogen oxides that will be saved every 10 seconds because of the new zone. Watch this powerful drone footage to see the impact the zone will have. 

Check if you are eligible for £2,000 worth of free travel

There are already some exemptions in place for residents of the CAZ but if you work in the zone and are looking to change your travel habits to public transport then you may be able to sign up for Birmingham City Councils Vehicle Scrappage and Travel Scheme. If eligible you could claim £2,000 in travel credits that can be redeemed across bus, train and metro. Criteria for the scheme is as follows:

• Have been the registered owner/ keeper of a non-compliant vehicle since 10th September 2018
• Live outside of the Clean Air Zone but work at least 18 hours per week at premises based within it
• Earn less than £30,000 a year

The money goes onto a Swift card that can just be tapped on the ticket reader on board the bus. The credit can also be spent on train and tram tickets or used by more than one nominated person so could be shared amongst family members. £2,000 could be over 2.5 years worth of free bus travel for one adult! 

Even if you’re not eligible for one of the CAZ schemes then a day ticket on our buses is just £4.60 and gives you unlimited trips anywhere across our network. The Clean Air Zone charge is £8 (and that’s before insurance, vehicle costs, fuel and parking too!) so feel good that when you catch the bus, you’re saving money, helping to clean up the environment and improving the air quality in our communities.

Visit our plan your journey page to take a look at how you can travel into the Clean Air Zone by bus. Our sustainable travel and Clean Air Zone pages also include more information and key facts about how bus is the solution to pollution. Join us on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram too to see what else we are up to.