Free bus travel on North Somerset routes starts

Two days of free bus travel have started to celebrate the start of the summer holidays.

All visitors to and residents of North Somerset will be able to enjoy two journeys on Friday and Monday on some of the region’s bus services.

There is no need to get a ticket – anyone is free to board on either day.

Councillor Hannah Young, executive member for highways and transport at North Somerset Council, said it was hoped the free journeys would help “attract more regular bus users”.

“This increased ridership is crucial for maintaining and expanding our services, especially when financial support from other sources ends,” she added.

A council spokesperson said more bus users meant better air quality, as well as fewer cars on the road, which made “everyone’s journey quicker and easier”.

Funding for the scheme comes from the UK government’s bus service improvement plan.