Swansea’s free ride buses set to return this year

The hugely-popular boost for families and businesses alike has been a feature of school holidays in the city over the last three years.

And Rob Stewart, Leader of the Council, said money set to be injected into the offer will allow even more people to enjoy more free rides in the months ahead.

The initiative is part of the council’s plan to invest record levels of funding in schools and social services in the next financial year, despite facing huge financial pressures.

Like other councils across the UK, Swansea is facing unprecedented budget pressures due to higher costs and increasing demands from residents whilst having a real terms cut in funding from the Government.

Cllr Stewart told a council Cabinet meeting on February 15: “We know that families are struggling in the cost of living crisis. We also know that the Free Ride initiative last year was a huge help for families wanting to get out and about during the school holidays.

“The money we’re planning to set aside will mean tens of thousands of Swansea residents to take free rides on bus services this year, as they did last year.”

The council’s strong track record on financial management and its prudent use of resources means it has sufficient funds to protect front-line services next year. It is also proposing a council tax increase of £1.40 per week for Band B homes which will be used to fund services.

The council’s budget proposals, approved by Cabinet on February 15, means schools will get more than £200m for the first time and social services will get an extra £14m to support vulnerable people.

Rob Stewart, Council Leader, said: “Councils are facing some of the most severe financial situations ever due to a combination of rising inflation, higher costs and extra demands from residents, whilst having our Government funding reduced in real terms.

“We have a strong track record of using our money wisely and driving down our costs which means we can now put record funding into vital services such as schools and social services.

“We’re also protecting front-line services at a time when many other councils are having to close leisure centres, libraries and reduce their black bag waste collections to balance their books.

“We know families are struggling with the cost of living crisis and we are doing all we can to support them through these difficult times.”

To help fund the investment in services the council is proposing a 4.99% council tax increase, plus an extra 1% that goes directly to Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The council has been consulting on its budget proposals and Cabinet’s proposals will be submitted to Full Council on March 6 for a final decision.