"Birthday Bus" scheme launches across West Country
You can now get free bus travel throughout your birthday month, if you live in the right part of the region
Last updated 1st Aug 2023
A major scheme begins today to try and get more West Country residents' using the bus.
The Birthday Bus project from West of England Mayor Dan Norris means you can now apply for a free bus pass to last the entirety of your birthday month.
It will last for the next 12 months, at a potential cost of around £8 million to the tax payer, depending on how popular the scheme turns out to be.
The West of England Combined Authority says it is an "innovative" idea to get people out of their cars, but critics have called it a gimmick and a waste of money.
West of England’s Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “I hope birthday buses encourage new people to hop on the bus and try it out - perhaps for a regular commute, to go to the shops, a restaurant, or to spend their weekends enjoying the amazing attractions and great beauty of our region.
"We really need more people using buses to cut congestion, pollution and noise - and meet our important and very ambitious 2030 net zero targets.
"So please sign up today for your birthday travel.”
Mr Norris' authority only covers Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire, but an agreement with North Somerset Council means this scheme applies in that area as well.
Leader of North Somerset Council Cllr Mike Bell said: “We’re pleased to be a part of this innovative scheme to encourage travel by bus.
"Alongside improvements to our bus network and the new WESTlink service, this will be another reason for North Somerset residents to celebrate."
Problems with West Country buses in recent months have been widely reported, with many routes, particularly in more rural areas having folded, because of a lack of funding.
Some have therefore said this £8 million could be better spent, but Mr Norris has previously said he is restricted in how the money can be used.
It comes from a government funding pot called the Bus Service Improvement Plan, which dictates any money from it must be used on "new and innovative" schemes.
It could not be used, therefore, on simply subsidising pre-existing routes or bringing old routes back into circulation.
Mr Norris formally launched the scheme from an open top bus in Bath this morning (1 August.
You can apply for a birthday bus pass via this link.