Several bus operators have announced their customary free travel offers for Armed Forces personnel and veterans on Remembrance Sunday and on Armistice Day (10-11 November).
Some operators have stressed that passengers will need to show appropriate identification when boarding the bus to gain complimentary travel.
Arriva has made the commitment to past and present members of the military, including reservists and cadets on both days.
Cora Woodhouse, Marketing and Customer Services Director for Arriva, says: “We’re proud to offer free travel to all those who have served the country on our networks on Remembrance Sunday.
“We’re always keen to support this national event as it’s important to pay tribute to all those who’ve contributed to serving in the forces both in the past and right now. In fact, many of our employees used to be in the military and we know how important it is to them.”
Stagecoach is likewise making travel free to serving and past military personnel on both days.
The operator’s specially liveried “Poppy Buses” mark the occasion, with two of such unveiled by local MP and Secretary of Defence John Healey at its Rawmarsh depot.
Stagecoach South has donated £3,990 to this year’s Poppy Appeal, having pledged £10 for each of the 399 buses operating across Hampshire, Surrey, West Sussex, and Brighton.
National Express West Midlands is also offering free travel to poppy collectors and uniformed personnel on Remembrance Day and Armistice Day on its network in West Midlands and Coventry. The operator continues to support Royal British Legion, having raised £96,000 for the charity over the past decade.
Alex Jensen, National Express CEO UK, Ireland and Germany, says: “We’re proud to support the Armed Forces and we recognise the significant contribution they make to our country.
“Offering free bus travel on Remembrance Sunday for those who are either poppy collecting or wearing their uniform is our small way of saying thank you to those who have provided and continue to provide an invaluable service to our country.”
Oxford Bus Group (OBC) is among Go-Ahead Group subsidiaries to offer free journeys to veterans and UK military personnel attending Remembrance Day activities. OBC says those wearing military uniform, including cadets, who can show ID, will be eligible.
Luke Marion, OBC Managing Director, says : “Remembrance Sunday is an important and sombre reminder of the sacrifices made by so many in our Armed Forces and we wanted to do something to help.
“We have veterans working in our business and we’re proud of their service, this is a small way in which we can say thank you and show our appreciation and gratitude.”
Meanwhile, another participating operator from the Group is Swindon’s Bus Company. Managing Director Andrew Wickham says: “We are providing all our drivers and other team members with a poppy to wear, if they wish to do so. For each of these, we will be making a donation to the Royal British Legion…
“Our drivers will also be pulling over, if it is safe to do so, at 11am on Sunday 10 November for Remembrance Sunday and at 11am on Monday 11 for Armistice Day, as a mark of respect to observe the two minutes’ silence.”
Transport for Greater Manchester has also advertised free travel on its Bee Network for members of the Armed Forces on both days.
First Bus is another major operator marking the occasion by allowing such Armed Forces personnel on board for free.
