West Midlands Railway is offering free train journeys between Stourbridge Junction and Stourbridge Town stations on Sunday, July 14, 2024, for anyone who shares a name with England football star Jude Bellingham. The promotion celebrates Bellingham's local connections, as he grew up in the Stourbridge area and played for Birmingham City before moving to Borussia Dortmund and later Real Madrid.
Promotion Details
Passengers named Jude, Bellingham, or Jude Bellingham can travel for free on the Stourbridge Shuttle service, which runs every 10 minutes between the two stations. The offer is valid all day on July 14, and passengers simply need to show a valid ID or travel card with their name at the ticket office to receive a free ticket.
According to a West Midlands Railway spokesperson, the initiative is a fun way to celebrate the local hero's success and encourage more people to use the rail service. The spokesperson said: "Jude Bellingham is an inspiration to many in the West Midlands, and we wanted to do something special to mark his achievements. We hope fans enjoy the free rides and perhaps discover the convenience of our Stourbridge Shuttle."
Background on Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham, born in Stourbridge in 2003, rose through the ranks at Birmingham City, becoming the club's youngest-ever first-team player at 16. He moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2020 and later to Real Madrid in 2023 for a reported fee of over €100 million. He has also become a key player for the England national team, featuring in major tournaments like the 2022 World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024.
The free travel offer coincides with the Euro 2024 final, where England could potentially play, adding to the excitement for fans. West Midlands Railway hopes the promotion will boost ridership and highlight the ease of using the Stourbridge Shuttle for local travel.
How to Claim
To claim the free journey, passengers must visit the ticket office at Stourbridge Junction or Stourbridge Town station and present identification showing their first or last name as Jude or Bellingham, or the full name Jude Bellingham. The offer is limited to one free return ticket per person and is not valid with any other discounts or promotions.
West Midlands Railway operates the Stourbridge Shuttle service, which is one of the shortest railway lines in the UK, covering just 0.8 miles. The service is popular with commuters and shoppers, providing a quick link between the mainline station and the town centre.
