������Ƶ

Home to over 22,000 veterans, ������Ƶ is honouring the sacrifices and dedication of its veteran community by recognising their service to the nation with this new initiative which started trialling from 2 January 2025.

Currently operating in Bromsgrove and surrounding areas and Malvern Hills, with plans to expand further in the coming year, these services aim to make travel more accessible and convenient.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, at ������Ƶ County Council said: “Offering free bus travel for our veterans shows our commitment, and our gratitude, for those who have served for our county and our country.

“The ������Ƶ on Demand buses offer an easy and convenient public transport service and have really benefitted communities in the areas that we’ve launched them in so far. So, I’m very pleased that we’re now able to offer this fantastic service, free of charge, for our veterans. I’d like to thank Councillor Martin Allen, a veteran himself, for his dedication on this opportunity.”

The service will be available to holders of the HM Armed Forces Veteran ID Card. When booking a bus on the app, the card will show up as a new option under the concessions menu. Card holders will be required to produce the card on the vehicle before travelling.

Councillor Martin Allen, Veteran and ������Ƶ County Councillor for Croome, said: “As a former Submariner in the Royal Navy, I am determined to ensure that ������Ƶ veterans are not forgotten.

“Can I thank Councillor Marc Bayliss for talking to me and understanding the important need for ������Ƶ to pay back the service and sacrifice given so willingly by our veterans.

“The residents of ������Ƶ can be proud that the county leads the way in looking after our veterans.”

More and more people are using this popular service, which offers a sustainable and efficient way of travel. The buses run from 7:00am until 7:00pm Monday to Saturday.

On demand buses offer a great alternative service to the familiar local bus. They provide a flexible, affordable, and sustainable form of public transport. Local veterans will be able to request a journey through the app and will be directed to a nearby ‘virtual bus stop’ for pick-up and drop-off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips.

For more information about the ������Ƶ on Demand Bus Service, please visit the ������Ƶ on Demand webpages.