PASSENGERS are being offered thousands of free rides in a bid to encourage more people to use buses.

The move by Transdev also aims to show that buses are modern, comfortable and a good eco-friendly method of transport.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Wi-fi, online ticketing and the use of a mobile phone app to access information are now available to make travel easier for busy commuters and other bus users.

Richard Jackson, development director at Transdev, said: “Clearly, there are major financial, economic, health and environmental benefits to leaving the car at home and taking the bus, but people still need to be convinced that bus travel will work for them.

"In the last few years, we’ve revolutionised bus travel by introducing features like on-board wi-fi and luxury leather seating on many of our routes, as well as online ticket sales, paperless ticketing and mobile-friendly route information through our Lancashire Bus app.”

Passengers eager to take up the offer of a free ticket will need to attend one of Transdev’s Catch the Bus Week giveaway events in Blackburn and Burnley.

Mr Jackson said: “Our passenger numbers are rising, but we also see research that shows some people are apprehensive about getting on the bus, perhaps because of things like not knowing where the stops are, being unsure about the frequency of services, or because they think the bus won’t get them where they want to go.

"Catch the Bus Week is our opportunity to show them that we have the routes, vehicles, facilities and the technology to exceed their expectations of bus travel and that’s what our free journeys aim to do. We want to hear what people think before and after they’ve travelled with us.”

Transdev will be giving away the free bus journeys outside Blackburn Town Hall tomorrow and in St James’ Street in Burnley on Friday, July 3, as well visiting local businesses to promote the offer. For details, go to www.lancashirebus.co.uk or www.catchthebusweek.co.uk