Press release —
Hey Jude! West Midlands Railway offers free rides to fans amid World Cup fever
West Midlands Railway (WMR) is celebrating England’s quarter-final triumph against Norway by offering free train travel on its iconic Stourbridge Shuttle all week to any passenger named Jude.
The offer honours Jude Bellingham, England’s 23-year-old star midfielder who grew up in Stourbridge and began his football career playing for Stourbridge Juniors.
Anyone with the forename Jude with valid ID can score the free fare on the line which connects Stourbridge Junction and Stourbridge Town stations. The offer kicks off today (Monday 13 July) and runs until Sunday 19 July - the day of the World Cup Final.
Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said: “Along with the rest of the country we’re backing England all the way. Jude’s performances have been outstanding and we’re delighted to celebrate his hometown of Stourbridge with this limited-time offer.
“We look forward to inviting Judes from across the region for a free ride on the Stourbridge Shuttle as the tournament reaches its final stages. We’re sure all our customers – Judes and non-Judes alike - will join us in cheering on the Three Lions in the semi-final on Wednesday and hopefully the final too.”
Bellingham, who grew up in Hagley, joined Birmingham City at under-8s level and became the club’s youngest first-team player when he made his senior debut at the age of 16. Now playing for one of the world's most famous club sides Real Madrid, Bellingham has made more than 50 appearances for England.
As well as being Bellingham’s hometown, Stourbridge Junction station is well known as the home of George the station cat, who is cared for by the station team and has more than 100,000 followers across social media with huge followings on X, Instagram and Facebook.
The Stourbridge Shuttle – also known as the Town Car – came into service in 2009 and is maintained and operated by Pre Metro Operations Ltd on behalf of West Midlands Railway. It operates on one of Europe’s shortest branch lines at just 0.8 miles long.
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Terms & Conditions
Any form of valid identification showing the customer has a forename of Jude can be accepted for travel between Stourbridge Junction and Stourbridge Town only between Monday 13 July and Sunday 19 July inclusive. Customers named Judah, Julian, Judy, Judith or Julie who are known as Jude will also be permitted to travel under the offer. The offer does not entitle existing ticket holders to a refund.
About London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway
For further information on this release, email press.office@wmtrains.co.uk
- London Northwestern Railway services operate between Liverpool and Birmingham, and on the West Coast Main Line to and from London Euston.
- West Midlands Railway services operate to destinations across the West Midlands via Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Snow Hill.
For more information on these services visit westmidlandsrailway.co.uk or londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk
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