The ever-popular free bus travel around Swansea offer is back for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee weekend, Swansea Council has confirmed. Anyone wishing to travel around the city on an eligible First Cymru, Adventure Travel, South Wales Transport, DANSA or Briggs service on Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5 won't have to pay a penny.
The offer covers journeys that start and finish within the Swansea Council area - but if you get a bus that's going to a place outside the Swansea Council area, you won't be charged if you get off in Swansea. As well as the Jubilee Weekend, free bus rides will also be available across the city on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29
A statement from Swansea Council explains: "The hugely-popular free bus offer in the city is back for the last weekend in May and the long bank holiday weekend at the start of June. This offer is for journeys that start and finish within the Swansea Council area. This is the area bounded by Loughor (Ship and Castle), Pontarddulais (Railway Station), Garnswllt, Clydach (Coed Gwilym Cemetery), Lonlas (Bowen Arms) and Port Tennant (Bevans Row) so it includes places like Gorseinon, Pontarddulais, Gower and Morriston."
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People of all ages are eligible for free travel - no matter if they're travelling around the city for work purposes or for leisure - and people do not need to show any proof that they live in Swansea to travel for free either.
The free travel deal expires each day at 7pm, anyone wishing to catch a bus after this time will be expected to pay the full fare. It should also be noted that the First Cymru open-top service to Mumbles (bus service number 1), the longer-distance coach services operated by National Express, Megabus or Flixbus and First Cymru's Park and Ride services (bus service numbers 9A and 34) are not covered by the free offer. Passengers on these buses will be expected to pay full fare.
This isn't the first time Swansea Council has offered free bus travel across the city - the promotion has previously run over the school summer holidays, Halloween weekend and the school Christmas holidays in 2021 and during the school Easter holidays in 2022.
Last August, more than 220,000 passengers made use of the free travel scheme and First Cymru reported a 51% increase in passenger numbers throughout the six week school summer break. Among the most popular routes, buses to Gower saw a 65% increase in passenger numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Swansea's Free Bus Travel
Answers and information from Swansea Council
Who can use it?
We all can. If you're travelling for work in Swansea or to enjoy a day out in the city centre or at one of our brilliant beaches, the service is free. You do not need to show proof that you live in Swansea to receive free travel.
What bus services are included in the offer?
Bus services operated by First Cymru, Adventure Travel, South Wales Transport, DANSA and Briggs are included. The only services that are not included are:
- First Cymru open-top bus to Mumbles (number 1)
- Longer-distance coach services operated by National Express, Megabus and Flixbus
- First Cymru's Services 9A and 34 to and from the park and ride car parks.
If I get on a bus that's going to a place outside the area, will I be charged even if I'm getting off in Swansea?
No. You just state your Swansea destination and take your seat.
If I'm going outside the area will I be charged the whole journey or just for the part that isn't in Swansea?
If you are heading to a destination outside the Swansea area you have to pay for the whole trip. Please let the driver know when you get on board the bus. The cheapest option is normally a day ticket.
I want to go to the Bay Campus from Swansea Bus Station, for example. Will I be charged the whole journey or just for the part that's in Neath Port Talbot?
You will be charged the whole fare. Our offer is only for a journey that is completely inside the Swansea area. If you are heading outside Swansea, you have to tell the driver your destination and pay the appropriate full fare.
Does this apply to park and ride?
No, but there are other offers available if you wish to use the park and ride services.
Who is paying for the free service?
It's being paid for by the council because we want to encourage people to use our local bus services now that the pandemic restrictions are easing.
What if I have a season ticket?
You won't need to show it while the offer is on. But there won't be any refunds or extension of your season ticket.
I already have a free concessionary bus pass - how does this affect me?
People who hold an All Wales Concessionary Travel Pass may continue to travel free of charge and passes should be shown as normal to the driver when boarding the bus.
Do I just have to get on the bus? Do I have to state my destination or get a ticket from the driver?
If the bus is operating wholly within Swansea all you need to do is get on board and enjoy the ride. If you're getting on a bus that's travelling outside Swansea please let your driver know so you can pay the appropriate fare. The offer applies only to those journeys which start and finish in Swansea.
Will all bus operators operate the same way?
Yes. It'll be exactly the same whichever bus company you're riding with.
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