As part of their commitment to supporting the armed forces, many major operators offered free travel on Armed Forces Day on 29 June.
Stagecoach offered free travel on its local bus and tram services, including on its TfL and Bee Network services, for military and ex-military personnel on 29 and 30 June to serving personnel wearing their uniform, carrying a military ID card and to veterans carrying a medal or veteran’s badge, in line with the aims of its employee-led Veterans Network for colleagues who have served in the forces and its membership of the Armed Force Covenant.
Simon Tramalloni, Interim Operations Director for Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire & South Lancashire and Armed Forces & Veterans Co-Lead said: “We are extremely proud and honoured to confirm free travel for all serving personnel, veterans and cadets on 29 and 30 June throughout the UK. This is our ongoing commitment to the wider armed forces community and a privilege to honour those serving personnel, veterans, cadets and their families this is the least we could do to honour those that serve and represent the armed forces community.”
First Bus also offered free travel to any serving personnel, cadets and veterans travelling to an organised event. A spokesperson at First Bus said: ”This is an important occasion for many people who want to remember family, friends and others who have been lost in military service. We have several veterans working for First Bus across our businesses and we’re very proud of their efforts and sacrifice. This is our way of saying thank you to them, as well as honouring all men and women who choose to serve and protect the freedom of our country.”
Go-Ahead Group operator Go North East took the opportunity to highlight the benefits of a career in ths bus industry for those leaving the armed forces; see our People pages for more on that story.