50p bus day

"in the hope that they will consider leaving the car at home and travelling by bus more often” dbg Elsewhere... Numberzz: 46 Others... TGP: Windows Omnibuses: Smoother ride? News: Woops!

Bus passengers in Plymouth will be able to travel all day for just 50p on Saturday 28 March and Saturday 4 April as part of a special promotion being run by local bus companies in partnership with the City Council. The 50p Bus Day events aim to encourage people who don't normally use the bus to give at a go, promoting sustainable travel as well as helping the wide range of services running throughout the city. All passengers will pay just 50p when they board the bus and will get a ticket which will allow them to travel with the same bus company anywhere in the city for the rest of the day - including on park and ride services. The Council hopes the initiative will help to boost bus travel and reduce congestion and pollution by showing people that taking the bus is clean, convenient, reliable and cost effective alternative to jumping in the car. Councillor Kevin Wigens, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "Many of us think its easier to get around the city by car, but when you factor in the time it takes to load up your car, look for a parking space and pay for a ticket, its often quicker and cheaper to jump on and off the bus. "There is a good network of bus services covering the whole city, with recent investment in new, modern vehicles and various discounts available for regular travellers. Research shows there is high ratio of car users following the same routes as buses in Plymouth, increasing congestion and impacting on the environment. "By supporting this initiative we want to show people how clean, comfortable and convenient the city's bus services are in the hope that they will consider leaving the car at home and travelling by bus more often.' Marc Reddy, Managing Director of First Devon and Cornwall said: "This is a great initiative - the bus represents a very cost effective way of travelling around the region and anything that encourages people to give it a go should be commended. We hope that people make the most of this offer; there are some great places to go by bus in this area - including the shops, the beach, the countryside and much, much more.' John Ackroyd, Managing Director of Plymouth Citybus Ltd added: "Our company is happy to be working in conjunction with Plymouth City Council to encourage the greater use of bus travel within Plymouth and promote what we believe is both an economic and environmentally more friendly alternative to increasing car usage –  whilst also providing a just as convenient mode of transport within the city area. We hope that existing and new customers will take the further opportunity to try the services available within the city at the reduced fare. For more information about 50p Bus Day visit Plymouth's dedicated journey planner at www.plymgo.com or call 01752 66800. The 50p Bus Day ticket is valid on all bus routes operated within the city boundary by Plymouth CityBus, Target Travel and First Devon and Cornwall. It is also valid on Plymouth Citybus services into and out of Plymouth from Saltash, Roborough, Heybrook Bay, and Sparkwell; and First Devon and Cornwall services into and out of Plymouth from Torpoint, Saltash, Woolwell, Roborough and Wembury. Its good to see events like this happening - and both bus companies taking part too.