**Swansea Relaunches Popular Free Bus Travel Scheme for Summer 2025**
Residents and visitors to Swansea are once again being invited to take advantage of a summer of free bus travel, thanks to the city council’s decision to bring back its well-received free bus initiative for a fifth consecutive year. The scheme, which aims to encourage greater public transport use while making summer outings more affordable, will span selected weekends across the school holidays, from 19 July to 31 August.
The initiative covers all service buses within the Swansea council boundary, and is open to anyone making journeys that both start and finish inside the city’s limits. Every Saturday and Sunday during the offer period, locals and tourists alike will be able to travel at zero cost on participating routes, making it an attractive proposition for families, beach-goers, shoppers and those visiting friends or relatives.
Since first being rolled out in the summer of 2021, the free bus offer has proven immensely popular, with over a million journeys clocked up by passengers using public transport to explore popular destinations, attractions and coastline within Swansea. The council views the scheme as a vital support measure during a period when household finances are stretched by the rising cost of living.
Council leader Rob Stewart shared his enthusiasm for the scheme’s return, noting, “Free ride Swansea has been a tremendous hit with local people. For families who regularly use public transport, it delivers a genuine saving at a time when every pound counts. Just one return trip for a family of four could save them around £20 compared to the normal fares – that’s a substantial sum, especially for households facing increased costs elsewhere.”
He further highlighted that the initiative is not just supporting regular bus users, but is also enticing those who might otherwise drive to consider leaving their cars at home. This, he said, not only reduces fuel costs for individuals, but also helps cut traffic congestion across the city over the busy summer months.
This year’s scheme will run on a total of 15 days, comprising every Saturday and Sunday during the six-week summer holiday period, with bus services free for journeys made until 7pm on those dates. The calendar includes some of the region’s most popular weekends for local events and attractions, making it easier for people to make day trips without worrying about parking or travel expenses.
Of particular note this summer is the highly anticipated return of the special Sunday service between Swansea city centre and the famous Rhossili beach, operated by Adventure Travel. This route, included within the free travel days, is expected to prove especially popular among both residents and tourists looking to explore one of Gower’s most iconic spots.
Andrew Stevens, Swansea Council’s cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, commented, “We know that the school holidays can be an expensive period for families, especially those looking to keep their children entertained. By removing the cost of bus fares, we’re helping make it possible for everyone to enjoy everything Swansea has to offer, from our beautiful beaches to our lively city centre – and hopefully encouraging more people to opt for sustainable travel choices.”
With fuel prices climbing in recent years, the scheme also offers a timely incentive for motorists to reconsider using their cars for local trips, helping ease the financial burden and contributing to the city’s broader aims for cleaner air and improved transport links.
The council has reiterated that the free travel applies to all standard local service buses running within the Swansea Council area on qualifying weekends, until 7pm each day. The exact dates for the 2025 scheme include 19-20 July, 26-27 July, 2-3 August, 9-10 August, 16-17 August, 23-24 August, and 30-31 August.
For regular updates, Swansea residents are encouraged to follow the council’s communications channels and join online communities, where they may also find exclusive offers and essential city news. With another summer of cost-free travel ahead, the city hopes to see even more residents and visitors hopping aboard Swansea’s buses and rediscovering what makes the region such a vibrant destination.