As part of World Car Free Day celebrations and the car-free options available across the region, McGill’s Buses and Inverclyde Council have partnered up to bring those in the Inverclyde area ‘Free Bus Friday’ on September 22. 

It’s as simple as it sounds – all McGill’s bus journeys in Inverclyde will be completely free. 

It is part of our approach to kicking down barriers to bus travel. ICC Member, McGill’s would love all residents and visitors to the area to give the bus a go on Free Bus Friday and to leave the car at home. It’s a great way to do your bit for the local environment – and to get out and support the great local Inverclyde businesses and attractions too. 

World Car Free Day is an annual event that encourages motorists to give up their cars for the day and explore other ways of getting out and about. The annual event highlights the numerous benefits of car-free travel, including reduced air pollution, safer roads, and improved wellbeing.

There are no time restrictions for travel, but journeys must start and end in Inverclyde. Free concessionary travel will still be available on this day and those of you with a valid NEC should tap on as usual. 

McGill’s Group Managing Director, Alex Hornby, said: 

“We are delighted to team up with Inverclyde Council in providing free bus travel across Inverclyde on Free Bus Friday – the perfect way to celebrate World Car Free Day on 22 September.

“The bus is there to help solve the twin problems of congestion and carbon emissions and is an enabler to support the local economy. Free Bus Friday only serves to emphasise this message and we hope will encourage people to leave the car at home for the day and get out there by bus, helping to free up the traffic flow, and drive up trade and footfall at our brilliant local shops, businesses, and attractions. 

“We are passionate about spreading our positive message about bus travel in Inverclyde and we’d love for as many people as possible to make the most of the bus network which benefits from many advanced, hi-tech and hi-spec, zero-emission electric buses. Passengers can log on to our industry-leading mobile app and website for details on how to make their journey.

“It’s great news for Inverclyde and a great way to mark World Car Free Day.”

Councillor Paul Cassidy, Inverclyde Council’s vice-convener of environment and regeneration, said: “World Car Free Day on Friday is a great opportunity to encourage people to swap the car for other forms of transport, such as the bus, or active travel to discover Inverclyde and particularly our town and village centres.

“Thanks to grant funding from Paths For All and with support from local operator McGill’s, we’re delighted to be able to present ‘Free Bus Friday’, offering residents free bus travel throughout the day as an incentive to ditch the car.

“World Car Free Day is also an opportunity for people to get out and about and support local businesses, including on West Blackhall Street in Greenock where there will be active travel-themed events and activities from 10am until 4pm.

“Whether it’s by public transport, bike, on foot, or on wheels, we hope as many people as possible will take part in World Car Free Day and try some of the many alternative forms of transport and at the same time play their part in helping us achieve Inverclyde’s target to become carbon neutral by 2045, by helping reduce emissions and supporting the local economy.”

For further details on Free Bus Friday and how to travel, visit https://www.mcgillsbuses.co.uk/