The West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris has dismissed claims an £8m scheme offering free bus travel to people in the region during the month of their birthday is a “gimmick”.
Residents are now able to apply for passes to get free journeys on most buses throughout the wider Bristol region, as part of the newly launched initiative. The ‘birthday bus’ incentive is aiming to encourage more passengers to swap cars for buses, as part of wider efforts to cut pollution and the economic impact of traffic congestion - which WECA estimates costs the region £300m every year.
Opposition political parties on councils in Bristol and South Gloucestershire previously criticised Labour mayor Mr Norris’ policy, with some questioning whether the money should instead be invested in recruiting more drivers and keeping withdrawn rural routes open.
