Starting on October 19, Leicestershire County Council, in collaboration with commercial bus operators, is launching the Free Fares scheme, a new initiative designed to make public transport more accessible to residents. Running every Saturday until November 30, the scheme offers passengers the opportunity to travel free of charge, with no age restrictions, on participating bus routes. To qualify, passengers simply need to begin or end their journey in Leicestershire and inform the bus driver of their destination.
Supporting the Community
Funded by the Department for Transport’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), this initiative is being delivered under the newly-established Leicestershire Buses brand through the Leicestershire Enhanced Bus Partnership. The scheme is part of a wider push to encourage more people to use buses, especially ahead of the winter months and holiday season, when the cost of living often increases.
Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, cabinet member for transport at Leicestershire County Council, highlighted the benefits of the scheme: “The offer of free travel on Saturdays is a welcome support for people trying to save money ahead of the holiday season. It also means that Leicestershire residents have an alternative and cheaper way to stay connected as we head into the winter months.”
The scheme aims to promote sustainable travel while also providing an option for people who may face loneliness or isolation. “Choosing the bus is a great way to travel sustainably, and now people have the chance to hop on board for free,” added O’Shea. “It will help encourage more people to think about choosing the bus more often – leading to a cleaner and greener Leicestershire.”
Participating Operators and Routes
Several major bus operators are taking part in the Free Fares scheme, including:
Arriva
Centrebus
CT4N
First
FoxConnect
Kinchbus
Stagecoach
Central Connect (Vectare)
Travellers are advised to check specific routes covered by the scheme, as certain services are excluded. These include:
Arriva X6 (Leicester – Coventry)
Skylink services to and from East Midlands Airport (Skylink Derby, Skylink Express, Skylink Nottingham, and my16)
Leicester Park and Ride routes (103, 203, 303)
Kinchbus routes 9 (Loughborough – Nottingham) and Z4 (West Rushcliffe Zone demand-responsive service)
Centrebus Orbital 40
For full details on the services included and to plan your journey, visit the dedicated Ticketing Schemes page on the Choose How You Move website.
This initiative offers a fantastic opportunity for Leicestershire residents to explore their local area, stay connected with friends and family, and experience the benefits of sustainable travel, all while saving money during the upcoming holiday season.
