Free bus travel for veterans seeking employment

Gloucestershire

A travel card providing free bus travel has been made available to veterans who are seeking employment in Gloucestershire.

The initiative has been introduced by Gloucestershire County Council in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Jobcentre Plus.

The county council agreed to set up the scheme following a motion put forward by Cllr Cate Cody, leader of the Green Party at Gloucestershire County Council, at a full council meeting in February. It was supported by the Conservative group after minor amends and unanimously approved by all councillors.

The county council has produced and funded the travel cards, while Jobcentre Plus establishments in the county will issue them.

The initiative was launched at the Veterans Café in Gloucester, which was set up earlier this year with the support of the county council. The café is based at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum and provides a space for serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families to gather, socialise and support each other.

The motion said that the council wanted to take steps to make a positive difference to the lives of veterans in our county, in recognition of their service.

The travel card will be available to veterans over aged 16 who are claiming Universal Credit or receiving a DWP benefit in Gloucestershire. It will entitle them to free bus travel throughout Gloucestershire.

Each card can be used for 50 single free trips and even if a veteran gains employment before the trips on the card run out, they can continue to use it. If the veteran if still seeking employment after the card runs out, they will be issued with a new card.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I’m delighted we are able to introduce this travel card, in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions. This will help us provide support to veterans while they are seeking employment in Gloucestershire by offering them free bus travel. It will also encourage greater use of the many bus services we have in the county, as buses are a green and sustainable way to travel.”

Cllr Andrew Gravells, Armed Forces Champion for Gloucestershire, said: “I’m pleased that we are able to offer this travel card to veterans in Gloucestershire. It will provide extra support to veterans seeking employment and underlines the county council’s commitment to our Armed Forces. We owe all of our Armed Forces personnel and their families a debt of gratitude for serving their country and it’s important we can give them something back.”

Cllr Cate Cody, leader of the Green Party at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This provides an opportunity for us to take action and make a difference to the Armed Forces community. Free bus travel will help veterans financially and make it easier for them to travel around the county; as a regular bus user myself it is really good to encourage others to use this sustainable way of travelling too and I’m very pleased that my motion was approved by all parties.”

Cllr Lisa Spivey, Liberal Democrat group leader, said: “I’m delighted we are able to make this travel card available to veterans in Gloucestershire. It sends a message that even in times of financial pressure for councils, that we recognise and appreciate veterans’ service.”

Cllr John Bloxsom, Labour group leader, said: “I’m pleased this travel card is being introduced to provide free bus travel to veterans in the county. It’s important we give something back in recognition of the sacrifice they have made.”

Jobcentre Plus staff will confirm eligibility and issue the cards to veterans when they make contact at the Jobcentre. The cards cannot be used by anyone else.

Further information on the scheme can be found on the Veterans’ Travel Card webpage at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/veteranstravelcard or the Armed Forces Covenant pages: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/your-community/the-armed-forces-covenant/.

To Apply simply click the 'Apply Now' button below and complete the online form including attaching an up-to-date CV.