Bus passengers travelling across Newport during March will receive free travel as part of a pilot scheme being funded by the Welsh Government. The scheme, which is being trialled to encourage people to make more sustainable and greener travel choices, means that free travel is available all day, every day during March, on bus services across Newport’s local authority area.
The scheme has been set up as part of the 58 recommendations of the Welsh Government’s Burns Commission report which focused on providing people living and working in south east Wales with alternatives to private car use.
Speaking on a visit to Newport Bus’ depot, Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters said: “After a year of working closely with local authorities and Transport for Wales we’re now starting to see our plans for an integrated public transport network for south east Wales become a reality. There’s still a long way to go, but I am assured that within the next 18 months we’ll start to see some significant improvements in bus travel, cycling and walking, with a greater shift towards sustainable transport, especially for those people travelling between Newport and Cardiff.
“I am confident that the free bus scheme I have announced today will not only provide a boost to the bus industry and local economy, but also encourage more people to make the switch to more sustainable travel.”
Travel on Cardiff Bus services wholly within the Newport boundary will also be free during March, though those making journeys which extend to and from destinations outside the area will still have to pay the normal fare.
