Stagecoach West is offering free travel to veterans and military personnel on its bus services in Gloucestershire this Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, as a mark of respect to those who have served and who continue to serve.
On Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 November 2023, veterans wearing their medals or veteran’s badge, serving personnel in uniform or anyone with proof of military ID can travel for free on all Stagecoach West bus services.
With memorial services taking place in Cheltenham, Gloucester and across the county, Stagecoach hopes that veterans and serving military personnel will take up the offer of free bus travel, to enable them to go and pay their respects.
Stagecoach bus drivers and staff will be encouraged to wear a red poppy to show their appreciation for the sacrifices of the armed forces, as well as being asked to honour the minute’s silence to remember those personnel who have lost their lives in service.
The bus operator has also commissioned a specially-wrapped coach covered in poppies, designed and created with support from the Armed Forces Covenant and the Ministry of Defence. All local Stagecoach West buses will also be proudly sporting poppies throughout November.
Managing director of Stagecoach West, Rachel Geliamassi, said: ‘Many of our employees have served or have friends or family members with a connection to the Armed Forces, so it’s really important we show our support.
'The introduction of our Poppy coach is a longer-term gesture of appreciation and gratitude in recognition of the unique obligations of, and sacrifices made by, the Armed Forces.'
