Senior citizens can now enjoy a day out at the seaside at reduced cost, thanks to a discount given by First Great Western and supported by Wiltshire Council.
First Great Western is giving a 34% reduction on all standard off peak and anytime single and return tickets between Westbury and Weymouth to holders of the English Nation Concessionary Travel Scheme, or bus pass as it is more commonly known.
The bus pass is issued by Wiltshire Council and allows free off peak bus travel, but this has now been extended to give reduced fares to Weymouth by all operators of the service.
Discounts are available at all times the bus pass is valid, 09.30 to 23.00 Monday to Friday and all day on Saturdays and Sundays and is now even better with the new summer service timetable introduced mid-May. Discounted journey tickets must start within these times.
Cllr Horace Prickett, portfolio holder for passenger transport at Wilshire Council said, “This is clearly a great offer for people who wish to have a nice day out. First Great Western set up the scheme in association with the Hearts of Wessex Community rail Partnership, which is financially supported by Wiltshire Council. Senior citizens can get free bus travel to the station with their bus pass, before getting a big discount on train travel to Weymouth, where they can enjoy the beach and dip their toes in the sea.
“The discount is also available from Swindon to Worcester Foregate Street, which if combined with the Trans Wilts service to Swindon, again makes a pleasant outing for senior citizens to enjoy. ”