Go North East Offers Free Travel for Armed Forces Day

Go North East, the region’s largest bus operator, is delighted to announce free travel on all its buses for veterans and members of the Armed Forces on Saturday 29 June.

Free travel is available on any Go North East Bus across the region. It applies to serving personnel in uniform, those carrying a military ID card, veterans with a medal or veteran’s badge, and cadets.

Ben Maxfield, Business Director at Go North East, said: “We are delighted to offer free travel for veterans on Armed Forces Day. Many of our colleagues are ex-armed forces and we are committed to supporting this cause.”

Go North East not only supports veterans through free travel initiatives but also by providing excellent career opportunities. The invaluable skills gained from military service are highly valued at Go North East, making a career as a bus driver an excellent option for those leaving the armed forces.

Many veterans are employed at Go North East and are a valuable asset.

Peter Gibson, GNE Bus Station Supervisor and former Infantry Signaller in the British Army, shared his experience:

“I’ve been at Go North East for 20 years now. I really like the structure that this career gives me. The free travel initiative will be warmly received this Saturday.”

Robbie Purdham, GNE Bus Driver and former Royal Corps of Signals in the British Army added:

“During my eight years in the Army, I was in Infantry first and then moved to Royal Corps of Signals. I did three tours of duty in Afghanistan. I left the Army to be able to spend more time with my family, but I still needed routine. Being a bus driver for Go North East allows me to have both of these things, and they’re really supportive.”

Brian Teasdale, GNE Bus Driver and former Royal Air Force Police Officer, comments:

"I was in the Royal Air Force for ten years as a Police Officer. Once I left, I wasn’t sure what career to go into, but a friend of mine who’s a bus driver recommended that I apply, and I haven’t looked back! It’s great that Go North East are offering free travel for Armed Forces Day, it’s a fantastic thing to do.”

Christina Murrell, Managing Director at the North East's leading military mental health charity, Veterans at Ease, said: “Go North East is a significant employer in the North East with a commitment to the Armed Forces.

It is a member of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and has an ongoing relationship with Veterans at Ease. So we are delighted to see that such a large North East company is supporting our current serving and ex-forces personnel.

This is a wonderful gesture that shows Go North East’s ongoing commitment to the men and women who serve our country, sometimes in very difficult and dangerous situations.”

By offering free travel for veterans this Saturday, Go North East aims to make Armed Forces Day a little more special for those who have served and continue to serve our country. For veterans unsure of their next career move, Go North East offers a supportive environment where their skills and experiences are highly valued.

To find out more or apply, click here.

Photography by: Gavin Forster

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS

Go North East runs a network of bus routes across the North East region including Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and surrounding areas.

The Go-Ahead Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of public transport, enabling more than a billion passenger journeys each year on its bus and rail services. Go-Ahead places great importance on partnership, adopting a collaborative approach with governments, local communities and strategic partners; developing and operating services that create long-term value for all.

For more information about Go-Ahead Group visit www.go-ahead.com.

Press and media contacts:

Ben Maxfield

Business Director, Go North East

ben.maxfield@gonortheast.co.uk

Telephone: 07890 436531