Bus operators salute the Armed Forces with free travel this Saturday

June 26 2026

Don’t be surprised if you get on a bus this Saturday and find yourself sitting next to somebody in military uniform. It’s become an annual tradition for bus operators to offer free travel to veterans, and to serving members of the forces, on Armed Forces Day.

Across the UK, Saturday 27^th June is an opportunity for the public to show support for our military, to their families and to veterans, and to celebrate their contribution to the nation. The day will be marked by events throughout the country – including parades through town centres, family days and flag raising ceremonies.

CPT member companies want to help the armed forces to participate as easily as possible. There is no national statutory scheme but major operators including First Bus, Stagecoach, Arriva, Go-Ahead and National Express, plus many smaller bus companies around the UK, have confirmed that they are participating.

Uptake grows more popular each year among Britain’s two million veterans and 183,000 serving military. A similar offer is often made on Remembrance Sunday.

Why the link? Providing free military travel on special days is a simple and meaningful civic gesture from operators which are embedded in communities, and which are keen to support local events.

Plus, there have always been close ties between the transport industry and the forces. There are obvious skills in common – including logistics, engineering and meticulous operational planning.

Many public transport operators sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant, committing to support serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families. Transport can be a popular choice for post-forces careers, and some transport companies have their own in-house veterans’ networks.

In some areas, bus companies are encouraging employees who have previously served in the military to wear their uniforms to work on Armed Forces Day. Others are offering promotional travel to the public for Armed Forces Day family days.

The organisers of Armed Forces Day encourage local businesses to ‘salute our forces’ this Saturday. Free travel is the bus industry’s way to salute our military, and to pay respect to veterans.

 

We encourage anybody travelling on Saturday to check bus companies’ websites and apps for details of participation and of eligible identification.