Free weekend buses welcomed by Herefordshire Sustainable Transport Group

Free weekend bus travel throughout Herefordshire has been welcomed by the Herefordshire Sustainable Transport Group.

It follows a £6Million investment as part of the Covid-19 Recovery Fund in the county.

‘Over the last thirty years Herefordshire has seen a serious contraction of its bus network,’ HSTG told its members.

‘The result of this has been drastically felt in rural areas leading to increased examples of rural isolation and deprivation particularly affecting young and old alike. It is to be hoped that this welcome initiative by Herefordshire Council heralds a long awaited turn in the fortunes of the rural bus. The Bus Service Improvement Plan currently being drawn up will now need to pay attention to the shortfalls in weekday services. Well done Herefordshire.’

Coalition councillor John Harrington said he was delighted to be able to offer free and unlimited weekend travel for about a year through the Covid-19 Recovery Fund. ‘By making it easier and cheaper to get around, the scheme will help connect people and communities provide a kick start to the local economy by getting people back into enjoying our vibrant city and market towns.’

Coun Harrington encouraged residents to develop their own ‘bus-it list’ – selecting locations, journeys, and experiences in the county, like Herefordshire Art Week, can be enjoyed thanks to free bus travel.