Bus operators around the country are offering free and discounted travel tomorrow (22 September) to mark World Car Free Day.
McGill’s has partnered with Inverclyde Council to make journeys free within the jurisdiction as part of the global initiative to get people to give up their cars for the day.
West Berkshire Council has announced that local providers Reading Buses, Newbury and District, Thames Travel, Stagecoach, and Going Forward Buses will also offer complimentary travel for trips starting within its boundaries.
Stagecoach is marking the day by hosting events across the country offering customers the chance to win free bus travel.
Morebus in Dorset is giving a 15% discount on an adult dayrider tickets to those using its app for the first time.
Several other bus operators, such as Go-Ahead London, have used the hashtag #worldcarfreeday to promote the means of travel.
McGill’s Group Managing Director, Alex Hornby, says: “We are delighted to team up with Inverclyde Council in providing free bus travel across Inverclyde on Free Bus Friday – the perfect way to celebrate World Car Free Day on 22 September.”
“The bus is there to help solve the twin problems of congestion and carbon emissions, and is an enabler to support the local economy. Free Bus Friday only serves to emphasise this message and we hope will encourage people to leave the car at home for the day and get out there by bus, helping to free up the traffic flow, and drive up trade and footfall at our brilliant local shops, businesses and attractions.”
Luke Marion, Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel Managing Director, says: “World Car Free Day is a great opportunity for us all to think about how we can individually reduce our carbon footprint and be healthier.
“Making small adjustments to travel routines can help us realise our goal of achieving net-zero emissions. We hope it encourages people to take part and use it as an opportunity to see what buses have to offer.
“Those who travel with us can use our app to buy tickets, plan journeys and track buses in real time. Our technology even shows much carbon dioxide people save compared to a private vehicle journey.”
The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) are also leaping on the chance to promote coach and bus as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak controversially announced his government would push back the ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035.
CPT Chief Executive Graham Vidler says: “World Car Free Day is the perfect time for drivers to swap their cars and catch the bus or coach. Small changes in the way we travel can create a big difference. To unlock these benefits, each of us needs to switch just one journey per month from car to bus by the end of this decade, two journeys per month by 2050. That’s it.”
Ride the bus.
We are pleased to support this Friday’s ‘World Car Free Day’ which encourages motorists around the globe to give up their vehicles for at least 24 hours.
Research earlier this year revealed London is the slowest city in the world in which to drive and we believe… pic.twitter.com/oMMOlonlxt
— Go-Ahead London (@Go_Ahead_London) September 20, 2023
