People across Leicestershire can take advantage of free bus travel on Saturdays from next weekend (19th October).
The Free Fares scheme has no age restriction and will run every Saturday until 30th November.
To qualify for free travel, passengers on the participating routes and services will need to start or end their journey in Leicestershire. They will also have to inform the driver on their chosen destination.
The scheme is being delivered on behalf of the Leicestershire Enhanced Bus Partnership under its newly established Leicestershire Buses brand.
This is a collaboration between Leicestershire County Council and commercial bus operators, with the scheme funded through Department of Transport Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) grant funding.
The aim of the Free Fare scheme is to encourage people to choose bus travel. It launches ahead of the winter months and holiday season to help people save money, encourage connectivity and provide support in combating loneliness and isolation.
The offer of free travel on Saturdays is a welcome support for people trying to save money ahead of the holiday season. It also means that Leicestershire residents have an alternative and cheaper way to stay connected as we head into the winter months.
Person:Councillor Ozzy O'Shea, cabinet member for transport
Choosing the bus is a great way to travel sustainably, and now people have the chance to hop on board for free. It will help encourage more people to think about choosing the bus more often – leading to a cleaner and greener Leicestershire.
The operators involved in the Free Fare scheme include: Arriva, Centrebus, CT4N, First, FoxConnect, Kinchbus, Stagecoach, and Central Connect (Vectare). Travellers are encouraged to check which operators are included in the scheme before travelling.
For more information on the Free Fare scheme, including what services are involved, visit the dedicated Ticketing Schemes page on the Choose How You Move website.