- Author, Alice Cunningham
- Role, BBC News, East of England
A bus company is commemorating Armed Forces Day by offering free travel for those in the military and veterans.
First Bus, which operates in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, is scrapping fares for those wearing their military uniforms and/or medals from the Royal Navy, Marines, Air Force and any other associated cadet force.
Free travel will be available for these people on Saturday and Sunday across the region.
Chairman of the Royal British Legion in Suffolk, Ken Rowbottom, said it was a “most welcomed” initiative.
“I think it’s a great idea and one welcomes the support that a large service provider such as First Bus gives to our armed forces in recognition of what they do.”
Mr Rowbottom added that the cost of living crisis and increased prices were impacting veterans especially.
“A lot of them are sadly on limited pensions and reduced income so any help that is available is more than welcome,” he said.
The chairman added commemorating Armed Forces Day was “very important” to thank those in service.
‘Thanking and honouring’
Piers Marlow, managing director of the bus service in the East of England, added that Armed Forces Day was “an important occasion”.
“Armed Forces Day is an important occasion for many people across the UK who want to remember and commemorate those who have been lost in military service,” he explained.
He said the free travel initiative was the providers way of “thanking and honouring” current and former service men and women.
Free travel is also being offered if a person is in possession of a current Ministry of Defence (MOD) issued card with their branch of military stated.
A veteran displaying identification such as the MOD Veteran Badge or their medals can also be used.