First West of England offers free travel for poppy-wearers

First West of England is offering free travel across its entire network on 11 November 2018 to people who wear a poppy, so they can attend commemorative events.

The operator decided upon the generous offer to mark 100 years since the Armistice was signed on 11th November 1918, bringing about the cessation of hostilities in the First World War.

To claim free travel, all people need to do is wear a poppy when they board. As in previous years, serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans as well as Cadets in uniform, veterans wearing military medals or people with a relevant military ID card also travel for free.

As a part of the operator’s support for Remembrance Sunday, many buses will have poppies fitted on the exterior of the vehicle.

James Freeman, Managing Director for First West of England, said: “Remembrance Day is an important day for many people who want to remember family, friends and others who have been lost in all wars, both service men and women and civilians.

“With this offer we want to make it as easy as possible for people to attend special events taking place in our region.

“Many of our employees, from drivers, engineers to office staff have served in the military or have friends and family members who are former or active members of the Armed Forces, so this time of year is particularly poignant across our sites.

A spokesperson for The Royal British Legion said: “We are incredibly grateful to First West of England for their support of this year’s Poppy Appeal. On this centenary year we are saying thank you to the entire generation who served in the First World War, and all generations of the Armed Forces community who have served since.

“The work of the Legion is as relevant and vital today as it was in the aftermath of the First World War when the charity was founded. Please wear your poppy with pride knowing your donation is supporting today’s Armed Forces community.”