This September the Plymouth Enhanced Bus Partnership will be providing free bus travel for everyone boarding buses within the city on Saturdays and Sundays.
Following the award of Government bus services funding, the Partnership is keen to act on the recent results from Transport Focus surveys where it was identified that affordability and value for money are key concerns for Plymouth residents when using buses.
Free travel will be available for everyone starting their journey within Plymouth, so whether you’re travelling for work, leisure or are new to the city and wish to explore, give the bus a try.
Below are some frequently asked questions, giving you all the information you need on how the initiative will work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the September fares initiative?
Everyone starting their journey within the Plymouth city boundary will be able to travel for free on all registered local bus services every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month.
Which bus operators in Plymouth are taking part?
Plymouth Citybus, including Go Cornwall services operating within Plymouth, Stagecoach South West and Tally Ho.
What dates will the initiative run?
The free travel offer applies to all journeys starting within Plymouth on:
- Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September
- Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September
- Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September
- Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September
Which bus services can I catch for free?
All services where you board within the Plymouth city boundary irrespective of where the service starts or ends.
The offer does not apply to:
Plymouth Citybus – Plymouth Argyle match-day specials
Stagecoach South West – Falcon
The Plymouth public transport network map has details of local bus routes
or download the list of included services here
I am travelling into Plymouth from outside the city. Can I travel free?
No, you will need to pay the usual fare for your journey into Plymouth but will get a free journey back. The offer is available to all journeys starting in Plymouth, no matter where your journey ends.
Full details of the stops included for all services can be found here
Are there any time restrictions for when I can travel?
No, free travel is available at all times from start of service on Saturday to end of service on Sunday.
Will I be given a ticket even though my fare is free?
Yes, you will be given a zero-value ticket for every eligible journey you make.
I have a concessionary bus pass, will I also be given a ticket?
No, concessionary passholders already receive free travel, and must continue to scan their concessionary pass in the usual way.
Where travel is being made outside of the concessionary scheme hours (after 2300 hours on Saturdays and Sundays), travel will continue to be free, and a ticket will then be issued.
I have a weekly or monthly season ticket, will this be compensated?
No, holders of season tickets will not receive any refund to cover days when they do not need to use their ticket.
Holders of season tickets will be treated the same as all other passengers on the days of the initiative and will not need to show their season ticket.
Do children need to be accompanied on the bus?
On Plymouth Citybus/Go Cornwall services, those under 11 years old (primary school age) will need to be accompanied by an adult or concessionary pass holder. Children aged 11 and over can travel unaccompanied.
Children do not need to be accompanied when travelling on Stagecoach South West services.
Unaccompanied children are not allowed to travel on the upper deck of open top buses.
How is the scheme being funded?
The scheme is being funded by the Department for Transport’s Bus Services Grant.
Will this scheme be extended beyond September?
No, this is a limited-time scheme for September 2026 and there are no plans to extend it.
How can I be kept informed about Plymouth’s bus services?
Visit Buses in Plymouth.
To get updates and reports on the Plymouth Bus Service Improvement Plan, email [email protected]
Any questions on the day …..ask your friendly driver.