Bus operators are again offering free travel to military and ex-military personnel on Armed Forces Day (29 June).
Stagecoach is allowing free travel on bus and tram services, excluding Megabus and the Transport for London and Transport for Greater Manchester networks, on both Saturday and Sunday, to serving personnel wearing their uniform, carrying a military ID card and to veterans carrying a medal or veterans’ badge.
Arriva is also offering complimentary travel to military and ex-military personnel on Armed Forces Day.
Among the employees to support the initiative is Colin Stewart, who used to be a Tank Commander, but is now operations supervisor for Arriva at the Runcorn depot.
He says: “I find that the armed force community is sometimes forgotten about.
“We still have serving soldiers all over the world doing difference tasks, which often entails soldiers being away from home for long periods of time.
“We need to support them when they come back to allow them to be integrated into civilian life. Armed forces personnel can offer vast amounts of experience and have transferable skills.”
Transport for Greater Manchester has also announced it is offering free travel to current military personnel, veterans and cadets on production of appropriate identification.
Go North East is among Go Ahead subsidiaries to have announced it is making the same offer.
Ben Maxfield, Business Director at Go North East, says: “We are delighted to offer free travel for veterans on Armed Forces Day. Many of our colleagues are ex-armed forces and we are committed to supporting this cause.”
First Bus operations are also offering free travel to military personnel.
John Roxburgh, Head of Operations for First Bus in North Yorkshire, says: ”This is an important occasion for many people who want to remember family, friends and others who have been lost in military service.
“We have many veterans working for First Bus across our business and we’re very proud of their efforts and sacrifice.
“This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to them, as well as honouring all men and women who choose to serve and protect the freedoms our country.”