Children and young people across Leicestershire can take advantage of free bus travel this Easter.
Youngsters will be able to use the offer on single fares and returns when boarding the bus from 9.30am to 11pm on Monday-Friday, and all day at weekends and bank holidays from Saturday 23 March to Sunday 7 April.
Under 16s will need to show proof of age when boarding buses travelling throughout the county while some of the county’s bus operators are also offering reduced travel fares to young people aged between 16-21.
The free child and youth bus fares initiative is being delivered on behalf of the Leicestershire Enhanced Bus Partnership which is a collaboration between the county council and the bus operators, funded by the Department of Transport’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
The aim is to encourage young people to explore the county by bus, travel independently and save money.
Improving access to travel opens up lots of opportunities for Leicestershire’s young people. Youngsters can get out exploring in their community and, on top of that, they are choosing a sustainable way to travel - It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
”We also hope that by showing young people how accessible and easy it can be to hop on a bus, it will inspire them to choose public transport in the future.
Person:Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport
Operators involved include Arriva, Centrebus, Diamond Bus East Midlands, First, Kinchbus, Nottingham City Transport and Stagecoach. The age range eligible to travel for free is dependent on the bus operator, and travellers are encouraged to check on bus operator websites for information on specific age restrictions and journeys before travelling.
For more information on the free bus travel scheme, including what services are involved, visit the Choose How You Move website.
BSIP funding is dedicated to providing bus service improvements.