Enjoy free weekend bus travel throughout the county
Beginning this Saturday (4 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.
