Eligible seniors with disabilities are being encouraged to make the most of free bus travel to meet friends, connect with nature and see new places this summer, through through a new government campaign launched today (July 15, 2023).

The new ‘Bus’ campaign targets people aged 66 and over and people with disabilities who qualify for a discount pass, to encourage them to use the existing free bus travel service.

The move comes as statistics show that incentive journeys have fallen by more than a third since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The campaign reminds commuters about the benefits of using the bus, including staying active, visiting new places, doing hobbies and meeting friends and family – while saving money when commuting. The new ads encourage ‘Bus Ride’ card holders, with posters and social media assets made available to local governments, bus companies and others to customize, co-brand brand and use in their region.

Together with the government’s £2 bus fare cap, the campaign aims to attract more bus users to help reduce congestion and emissions while supporting the bus industry and helping to develop the infrastructure. economy.

Thanks to the free bus fare program, concession card holders across the country can enjoy great days for free. People can leave their car at home and catch one of Stagecoach’s frequent ‘triangle’ routes to Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay, or hop on Coastliner 840 from Leeds to Whitby, voted best bus route England for its beautiful view of North York Moors National Park.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

We want eligible people to get all the benefits their concession card can offer, with free bus travel allowing them to enjoy great trips – all what they need to do is ‘take the bus’.

Around £1 billion a year in central and local government funding goes toward incentives to help the elderly and disabled get out while saving them money and helping grow the economy.

Cora Woodhouse, Arrival’s Director of Marketing and Customer Service, said:

We are happy to work with the Department of Transport (DfT) to support and promote preferential travel across our network. We’d love to remind the communities we’re proud to serve every day that we’re here to connect them with the places they want to go and the people they love, and for free with a concession card.

There are many places you can use our service to visit and enjoy your days out and of course, taking the bus also has environmental and social benefits. Here, at Come, we are expanding the reach of DfT campaign, promote it through our website, email, social channels and apps. We will also invest in a paid media campaign alongside local community events, first in Yorkshire and the East Midlands with the goal of rolling this out across our network later. .

David Sidebottom, director of independent watchdog Transport Focus, said:

Passengers tell us that buses are a vital way for them to meet family and friends, visit major streets, get to important appointments and connect them to the places and things they love. This campaign is great news for bus pass holders and hopefully they will make the most of getting out and going to places old and new.

In Transport Focus’s upcoming study, 91% of free pass holders told us they know quite a bit about local bus service, so now is a great time to start and catch a bus.

Is a part of Household Help CampaignDepartment of Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) is promoting free and low-cost events across the UK for those looking for affordable summer activities. People can find out what’s happening near them with this new feature Interactive map – from discounted movie tickets to free museum exhibits, accessible through available discounted bus tickets.

Simon Pearson, Commercial Director of First Bus, said:

Buses are an ideal way for seniors to get out and enjoy life in their local area and beyond. Traveling by bus adds to the experience of the day, no matter what you have planned. At First Bus, we’re excited to welcome more customers onto the bus to discover where the discount card can take them.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:

Summer is coming, it’s a great time for concession card holders to plan outings with family and friends, make the most of the free bus travel to explore attractions Sightseeing and featured destinations across the UK in a relaxing and eco-friendly way.

There’s always a lot going on in the UK during the summer, whether it’s enjoying a trip to the beautiful coastline, beautiful countryside or vibrant city attractions. I know our tourism and hospitality businesses would be delighted to meet you.

Along with the campaign, councils spend around £1 billion on subsidized travel, provided through government funding from the Department for Upgrades, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to allow local governments to provide free travel through local bus operators to seniors and disabled people with concession cards.

This in addition to recently announced long-term bus sponsorship to support and improve bus services, including £200 million to continue to cap single fares outside of London at £2 until 31 October 2023 and then 2.50 pounds until 30 November 2024, as well as 300 million pounds to protect bus services across the country.

Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:

Buses are a great way to access the best that our metropolitan area has to offer, whether it’s world-class cultural experiences, great green spaces or great places to visit. shopping and socializing.

Local transportation authorities play an important role in bringing our local communities together and we encourage seniors and people with disabilities to qualify for a free ride concession card. buses and explore their local areas.

Sylvia Barrett, Director of Policy and Research at Better Transport, said:

Taking the bus is a well-being boost. Buses keep us connected with friends and family, transport us away and keep us active. We hope to see more people with a bus pass to take advantage of the benefits of a free bus ride to get out and enjoy the summer.