All bus passenger journeys starting and finishing in Swansea will be free until 7pm on Saturday 19th, Sunday 20th, Monday 21st, Friday 25th, Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th February so families can get out and about together without worry about the fare.
The free travel initiative was launched during last year’s school summer holidays with tens of thousands of people taking the chance to travel for free to do the shopping, see friends for a coffee or visit local landmarks.
Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the offer was back because of popular demand. He said: “The Free Bus initiative has been a big success. Over the festive period, for example bus travel in Swansea jumped by almost 18% on some days.
“The offer was particularly successful for the Christmas Parade when tens of thousands of people turned out for festive event that everyone agreed was the best ever.
“The feedback I’ve had from families worrying about the rising cost of living is that it’s made a real difference because they can spend their hard-earned wages on other things instead when they make their trips.
“Other local authorities in Wales and England have also been watching what we’ve been doing in Swansea and adapting the idea to support families in their areas too.
“At a time when people are having to make difficult choices due to rising inflation, energy and food bills, a little bit of help on the buses can make the difference between a trip out or staying at home.
“School children have worked hard over the last two years during the pandemic and some will be going into the exam season in the spring term. So some free time out for them and their families would be welcome.”
Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment Enhancement and Infrastructure Management, said: “We hope the latest free travel initiative will again encourage people to use public transport more and their cars a little less, helping cut pollution and congestion.
“It’s been a real lift to see how successful the initiative has been since its launch for last summer’s school holidays. We’re already looking at how we can continue with this initiative for the Easter Holidays and beyond.”
The free bus initiative applies to all bus journeys starting and finishing within the Swansea Council area until 7pm on days when the offer is running. Travellers will need to comply with any Welsh Government pandemic rules in force at the time.
