It’s one of those crazy-sounding ideas that makes for an eye-catching headline, but does it actually work? Well, Dan Norris, Mayor of the West of England, thinks so, as he’s extended the Birthday Bus Pass scheme for another year. Launched last year, it offered a free bus pass to anyone living in Bath, North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire as long as it was their birthday month.
The aim was to get more people using public transport in the area, helping to tackle congestion, pollution and climate change. On top of that, it was also designed to help ease the struggles of the cost-of-living crisis. However, a report in January warned that it benefitted the richest 10% of the region more than the poorest 10%.
Nevertheless, Dan Norris has hailed the scheme a success and even “more efficient” than the £2 bus fare cap – soon to be £3. Between August 2023 and July 2024, more than 72,000 passes were applied for and 1.2million plus journeys were made because of the scheme. 90% of Birthday Bus users said the free pass played a role in them taking the bus more.
“The first year of Birthday Buses was an enormous success. 72,000 passengers took, on average, around 19 free journeys each – saving almost £40 in fares,” said Mayor Dan Norris. “People who tried out our region’s buses, sometimes for the very first time, during their Birthday Bus month made new habits, and now they’re on the buses much more than before. More bus journeys and fewer miles in cars mean less congestion for everyone.
When can I get a free birthday bus pass?
Thanks to a £4 million expansion of Birthday Buses, the scheme will restart from December 2024 to the end of November 2025. The bus pass is only usable during the month of your birthday NOT for a month after your birthday. It is also advised you apply more than seven days before your birthday month to make sure your pass arrives in time for the full month.
New this time around, under-21s get two months free… You can now get free bus travel for the whole of your birthday month, plus the following one, if you apply before your 21st birthday. Plus, all will have access to unique offers and freebies from local shops and attractions – including 10% off at Aerospace Bristol and a free glass of wine at The Forum in Bath.
To claim your free bus travel, you will need to complete a short form and upload a passport-style photo (or a selfie). You can do this by heading here.