Free travel for veterans and members of the Armed Forces!

Go North East is marking Remembrance Day and Armistice Day by offering free travel on all services for veterans, current members of the armed forces and cadets on Sunday 8 November and Wednesday 11 November. This initiative honours the sacrifices made by service personnel and the contributions of veterans, particularly those now serving their communities as part of the Go North East team.

Free travel is available to serving personnel who can produce a current ID card, veterans displaying a veterans badge, anyone travelling in uniform and cadets.

The free travel offer is just one way to show our gratitude. Go North East has had a poppy bus on the road for several years but the newly unveiled version was designed in collaboration with Go North East colleagues who served in the Armed Forces. The design includes red poppies, silhouettes of soldiers and a purple poppy to honour the animals that served and died alongside British and allied forces.  

Kevin Shanks, a Go North East driver training instructor who was a solider in the British Army’s Light Infantry, suggested adding the words ‘all gave some, some gave all’ to the bus. He says: “It was a privilege to have the opportunity to share some ideas for the new bus design. I’m really pleased with the outcome - the bus design is beautiful and a fitting way to honour those who served.”

Terry Harmer, a Go North East driver who was in the British Army and part of the Queen’s Royal Lancers for five years, also gave feedback on the poppy bus design. He said: “Its’s great that Go North East offers free travel for the armed forces community to make sure no one has to worry about the cost of heading to Remembrance events.” 

Adam Lusby, a Go North East driver who was a Royal Artillery Gunner for nine years, contributed to the poppy bus design. He said: “Adding a purple poppy to the bus was really important to me as I witnessed first-hand the contributions animals make to the armed forces, including dogs trained to find roadside bombs. I think their sacrifice should be recognised more often.” 

Our brand new Poppy Bus is now out on the roads for you to see... keep an eye out!