Beginning today (Saturday 4th September), the council is pleased to announce that all bus travel within Herefordshire will be free at weekends.
Thanks to investment as part of the Covid-19 Recovery Fund, anybody and everybody will be able to hop on and off any bus in the county, as many times as they like. No fares.
The only condition is that the journey must be entirely within the county.
To help people make the most of the scheme, there will also be additional services on Sundays, serving several locations including Bromyard, Ledbury, Leominster, Kington and Colwall.
Cllr John Harrington, Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: “We are very pleased to be able to offer free, unlimited weekend bus travel for the whole county for what we hope will be at least a year. By making it easier and cheaper to get around, the scheme will help to connect people and communities, and provide a kick start to the local economy by getting people back to enjoying our vibrant city and market towns.
“Travelling by bus is often better for your physical and mental wellbeing, allowing you to sit back, take in the world from the window and enjoy the ride. It also reduces congestion and wear and tear on the road network, and is better for the environment.
“We’re encouraging everybody to compile their own ‘bus-it list’ – a selection of locations, journeys and experiences in the county that can be enjoyed thanks to free bus travel. Whether it’s an afternoon shopping in a high street, a day out to a museum or historic site, or travelling to meet friends for a meal or a drink at a local café or restaurant, you have all the reasons in the world to ‘bus-it’.”
Free weekend bus travel is just one element of the Covid-19 Recovery Plan, which is providing funding of £6m to support the county in its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cllr David Hitchiner, Leader of the Council, added: “We know how important it is to connect people with their communities and to the wider world and to help people feel safe and supported. The investment, support and activities outlined in the Recovery Plan help to address the impact of covid-19 on people of all ages, as our communities look towards recovery.”
Bus travel will remain free to residents of pensionable age, and those with a qualifying disability through the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS).
To help keep everybody safe, it is recommended that you continue to wear a mask when travelling by bus – and don’t forget to check timetables for your return journey before travelling.
Thanks to investment as part of the Covid-19 Recovery Fund, anybody and everybody will be able to hop on and off any bus in the county, as many times as they like. No fares. The only condition is that the journey must be entirely within the county.
To help people make the most of the scheme, there are also additional services on Sundays serving several locations including Bromyard, Ledbury, Leominster, Kington and Colwall. A full list of Sunday services can be found below.
Bus travel will remain free to residents of pensionable age, and those with a qualifying disability through the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS).
To help keep everybody safe, it is still recommended that you wear a face covering when travelling by bus – and don’t forget to check timetables for your return journey before travelling. View journey planning and timetable information.
Free weekend bus travel is just one element of the Covid-19 Recovery Plan, which is providing funding of £6m to support the county in its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
New = Service supported by Covid Recovery Funding
| Service | Route | Operator |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | Gloucester – Ross-on-Wye – Hereford via Lea – Weston-under-Penyard – Peterstow – King’s Thorn | Stagecoach West |
| 34 New | Monmouth – Ross-on-Wye via Whitchurch – Goodrich – Kerne Bridge -Walford – Tudorville | Nick Maddy Coaches |
| 36 New | Monmouth – Hereford via Welsh Newton – Llancloudy – Wormelow | Stagecoach West |
| 39A | Hay-on-Wye – Hereford via Dorstone – Peterchurch – Madley – Clehonger – Belmont | Yeomans Travel |
| 40 New | Ross-on-Wye Town Service via Greytree | Nick Maddy Coaches |
| 71/71B | Credenhill – Hereford via Stretton Sugwas – Kings Acre – Moor Farm – Whitecross | Yeomans Travel |
| 74 | Newton Farm – Hereford | Yeomans Travel |
| 77A | Bobblestock – Hereford Circular via College Green – Holmer – Widemarsh Common | Yeomans Travel |
| 401 New | Leominster Town Service via Barons Cross | Lugg Valley |
| 420 New | Bromyard – Hereford via Stoke Lacy – Burley Gate – Withington | DRM |
| 426 New | Bodenham – Hereford via Marden – Sutton St Nicholas – Aylestone Hill | Lugg Valley |
| 454 New | Fownhope – Hereford via Holme Lacy – Rotherwas – Lower Bullingham – Putson | Yeomans Travel |
| 461 New | Kington – Hereford via Lyonshall – Weobley – Mansell Lacy – Credenhill – King’s Acre | Sargeants Bros. |
| 476 | Ledbury – Hereford via Deer Park – Tarrington – Bartestree – Lugwardine – Tupsley | DRM |
| 492 New | Leominster – Hereford via Hope-under-Dinmore – Wellington – Moreton-on-Lugg – Holmer | Lugg Valley |
| 496 New | Pembridge – Leominster Circular Service via Mortimers Cross – Shobdon – Eardisland – Kingsland | Lugg Valley |
| 600 New | Ledbury Town Service | First |
| 675 New | Great Malvern – Ledbury via Colwall – Wellington Heath | First |
