Free bus travel for armed forces members this Saturday

Serving members of the armed forces, veterans and cadets can travel on bus services across Greater Manchester for free

To commemorate and support ‘Armed Forces Day’ this Saturday 24 June, local bus operators have announced that serving members of the armed forces, veterans and cadets can travel on bus services across Greater Manchester for free on the day.

Armed Forces Day is an annual event, celebrated to commemorate the service of men and women in the British Armed Forces. First Manchester, Stagecoach Manchester and Arriva are therefore introducing free travel for serving and retired members of the armed forces on 24 June, to ensure they can get to the special events taking place, across the region.

Free travel is available on Saturday 24 June to members of the armed forces who are in uniform or who show an identification card. The offer is also open to members of the cadet forces in uniform and veterans who display valid identification such as the MOD issued Veteran's Badge.

Phil Medlicott, Managing Director of First Manchester, said: “We're proud to support Armed Forces Day which is a very special occasion for many people who want to remember family, friends and others who have been lost in military service. As a committed supporter of the communities we serve, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to attend local events with this special offer on Saturday."

Howard Farrall, Managing Director of Arriva Merseyside, said: “Arriva will be offering a week of free travel from Saturday 24 June to Saturday 1 July for all Military of Defence personnel displaying their MOD ID as they board the bus.

"We’re incredibly proud to support Armed Forces Day and honour these ordinary people who do extraordinary jobs.

"We hope the Armed Forces community enjoy the activities taking place across the North West in their honour.”

Elisabeth Tasker, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester, said: “We are delighted to once again be supporting our Armed Forces communities in Greater Manchester in this way. By providing free travel to military personnel and veterans we hope to be able to give a well-deserved morale boost for our local troops.”