Free rides across the city
Swansea Council has confirmed that journeys starting and finishing within the city will be free on selected dates throughout December.
The scheme covers the weekends before Christmas, plus extra days right up to New Year’s Eve.
“Here for you this winter”
Council Leader Rob Stewart said the initiative was designed to ease the burden on families at a costly time of year.
“Christmas can be an expensive time of year and we’re hoping everyone will take advantage of this great offer,” he said.
Cllr Stewart added:
“This is the fifth Christmas period that we have provided free transport for families in Swansea. We’re the only council in Wales that offers this kind of free bus service and I’m proud that once again this winter Swansea will be doing all it can to support our residents as part of our #HereForYouThisWinter campaign.”
Since the scheme began, more than a million free journeys have been taken, with families saving an estimated £20 per trip.
Boost for businesses and families
The council leader said the offer was not just about encouraging shoppers into the city centre.
“This is also about giving the public the chance to travel all across Swansea, whether it’s to visit family members or just enjoy what Swansea has to offer.”
Encouraging greener travel
Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure Andrew Stevens said the scheme also aims to get more people onto public transport.
“One of the main aims has been to encourage more people to use public transport in Swansea,” he explained.
“We know lots of people travel by car and may not have been on a bus previously. This free bus offer is a great way of introducing more people to public transport and reduce the number of cars on our roads.”
Cllr Stevens added:
“It’s important we support public transport operators in Swansea and do what we can to increase passenger numbers.”
Fifth year of festive travel
This is the fifth year Swansea Council has offered free festive bus travel, making it the only authority in Wales to run such a scheme.
With strike action by First Cymru staff now called off, the council says it hopes residents will seize the chance to save money, support local businesses, and cut congestion on the roads.
