Residents across the West of England are set to benefit from free bus travel throughout the month of their birthday thanks to a scheme which begins tomorrow, 1st August.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris launching the initiative | Photo © WECA
The Birthday Bus initiative gives every resident in the West of England free bus travel throughout the month of their birthday.
The scheme will run for 12 months until every West of England resident has had the chance to benefit.
Mum of two Pauline Iles, whose birthday falls on 1st August, is the proud owner of her Birthday Bus ticket, and will be one of the very first birthday bus passengers.
The Birthday Bus offer is valid on buses across 350-plus square miles, for as many bus journeys as you want, at any time.
Residents can apply at www.birthdaybus.co.uk.
Birthday Buses aims to attract new passengers to try out buses for the first time at no risk, and hopefully change people’s travel behaviour long term.
The ambition is to grow bus passenger numbers across the West of England, meaning more fare income and extra investment in buses.
Local resident Pauline Iles, said: “This is a brilliant initiative. In my job, I work with employers that are often trying to help their employees with workplace benefits to support their health and wellbeing, and this can include a lot of people struggling to make ends meet right now.
“In this cost-of-living crisis, saving money on transport costs and being able to redirect this saving can ease a bit of financial stress for people, which I think is really important.”
Mayor Dan Norris said: “It is great to wish Pauline many happy returns and singles. I would encourage everyone to sign up for their free Birthday Bus Month Pass today and my Mayoral Combined Authority will get it in the post.
“I’m really proud of Birthday Buses. It’s new and innovative and is all about behaviour change – about getting more and more people out of their cars and onto the buses long term.
“That’s vital to build the local transport system West of England residents deserve, which in turn will cut congestion and help us meet our ambitious net-zero targets locally. And it will really help locals during this really, really difficult cost-of-living crisis.
“So please head to www.birthdaybus.co.uk and sign up today for your free Birthday Bus pass!”
