BUS passengers can travel for half the usual cost next week.

Swindon’s Bus Company is marking World Car Free Day on Wednesday September 22 by offering half price travel for customers new to using its mobile ticketing app during the week of September 18.

The move is part of the operator’s commitment to helping more people use sustainable transport in and around Swindon.

Adult Dayrider tickets will be half the price and weekly tickets will be 20 per cent cheaper from September 18 to 25 if they are bought via the operators’ mobile app.

They will need to use a discount code. More information can be found at swindonbus.co.uk

World Car Free Day is an initiative aimed at easing congestion, as well as improving air quality by promoting mass transit, cycling and walking to motorists as alternative methods of travel.

Managing director Andrew Wickham said: "We welcome any initiative designed to reduce the harmful effects exhaust emissions have on the environment.

“Our bus fleet is one of the newest and cleanest in the region. Over recent years, we have introduced a large number of brand new buses to operate our services across the town. Many of these sport the very latest Euro 6 engine - releasing fewer emissions than the average new diesel car.

“And those travelling with us can now take advantage of our new app - which allows them to personalise the app to either save their regular journeys, choose how their home screen opens, mark bus stops or routes as their favourites, track exactly where their bus is at any given time and, of course, buy their tickets instantly.

"When planning a new journey they can even see how much carbon dioxide they are saving compared to driving a car.

“World Car Free Day ties in perfectly with what we are trying to achieve in Swindon. Now that life is beginning to get back to normal, and people are returning to their offices, schools and colleges - in addition to the shops, bars and restaurants - buses can provide the perfect and affordable solution to reducing air pollution here.”