The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a new campaign to encourage those aged 66 and above and mobility-impaired passengers to use the bus to make more journeys this summer.
Those eligible for concessionary bus passes are the focus of the scheme, with recent statistics showing such passholders’ journeys have declined by more than a third since before the pandemic.
Silviya Barrett, director of policy and research at Better Transport and judge at this year’s CiTTi Awards, said: “Taking the bus is a wellbeing boost. Buses keep us connected to friends and family, transport us on days out and help us to stay active.
“We hope to see more bus pass holders to embrace the benefits of free bus travel to get out and about and enjoy the summer.”
Some of the key benefits the campaign hopes to promote include staying active, visiting new places, taking up hobbies, seeing friends and family and saving money on travel.
Jason Prince, director of the Urban Transport Group, said: “The bus is a great way to access the best of what our city regions have to offer, whether that be world-class cultural experiences, great green spaces or brilliant places to socialise and shop.
“Local transport authorities play an important part in connecting our local communities and we encourage older people and those with disabilities who are eligible for a free concessionary pass to take the bus and explore their local areas.”
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