uk free bus travel

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Who can travel on UK public transport for free?

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For a majority of people, travelling in the UK using public transport is far from free.

Whether you’re in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, most adults will have to shell out a few quid for bus tickets, or pay a heftier fee for monthly passes or train tickets .

However, some people can access free travel – by bus or even, in a few rare cases, rail – depending on where they live, their age, and whether or not they have a disability.

Free travel could be a huge help, especially given the current cost of living crisis.

So, if you’re wondering whether you might be eligible for free public transport where you are, we’ve rounded up all the information – plus where you need to go to learn more or apply.

Let’s take a look…

Who can travel on public transport for free in the UK?

Here is a breakdown of some of those who are eligible for free travel across the UK.

Free travel for under 18s, over 60s and disabled people in London

We’ll kick off with London … and its network of Tubes, Overground trains, DLR trains, trams and buses.

Firstly, under 5s travel for free on buses and the Tube, plus other Transport for London (TfL) services mentioned, if they’re with a fee-paying adult.

Children up to age 17 can also benefit from free travel, with children aged 5 to 10 also able to travel for free on the Tube, DLR, buses, trams, etc, using the ZIp Oyster Photocard .

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The ZIP Oyster Photocard is also available for children aged 11 to 15 , providing free bus and tram travel (not Tube), and for 16 to 17 year olds who specifically live in London , again for free buses and trams.

Over 60s living in London can get free travel with an Oyster Photocard , while anyone over 66 (state pension age in England) or who has a disability and lives in London can travel for free using the Freedom Pass .

Finally, veterans may be entitled to free travel in London with the Veterans Oyster Photocard .

Check the TfL website for any stipulations , such as services and times will accept your photocard or Freedom Pass.

Free bus travel for over 66s in England

When you reach the state pension age in England (currently 66), you can get free bus travel .

You’ll have to apply through your local council. Start by typing in your postcode on gov.uk .

Free bus travel for under 5s in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland

In both England and Scotland, children under the age of 5 usually travel for free on buses.

In England, you might find this varies by bus operator – and may only apply if the child is accompanied by a fee-paying adult. It may also apply to local metro or tram travel, too.

For example, we noticed that the Metro in Newcastle-upon-Tyne allows up to three children under age 11 to travel for free , again if the adult accompanying them has paid for a ticket.

Your best bet is to check the policy on the website of your local public transport provider.

In Scotland, all children under 5 go free on buses.

In Northern Ireland, under 5s appear to go free on some Translink buses (from what we can tell) – though may be included as ‘part of a party’ in the cost of Family Tickets . It’s worth checking directly.

Free bus travel for under 22s in Scotland

The Young Persons Free Bus Travel Scheme in Scotland is really good news for people aged 21 or younger.

Under 22s are now able to apply for a pass granting them free travel on buses, even beyond their local area.

On gov.scot , it says: ‘The scheme will give you free travel on any bus in any part of Scotland on registered bus services.

‘You can travel on buses outside the area you live in using your card. Only a few services, such as premium-fare night buses and City Sightseeing buses, will not accept the card.’

Free bus travel for over 60s in Scotland

Anyone aged 60 or over in Scotland can also apply for free bus travel, by visiting the gov.scot website .

The pass, called the National Entitlement Card, is designed to help people get around their local area, but can also help with travel further afield within Scotland.

Free bus and rail travel for under 11s in Wales

According to Transport for Wales , under 11s travel for free on buses and trains, when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

Under 16s can also enjoy free off-peak travel.

Free bus travel (and some rail) in Wales for over 60s

Anyone over 60 can apply for a bus pass enabling free travel in Wales, called a Concessionary Travel Pass.

As with England, you can apply via your local authority, which you can find by entering your postcode on gov.uk .

This Concessionary Travel Pass also allows for some free rail travel, including on routes from Wrexham to Hawarden Bridge, Shrewsbury to Swansea, or Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

However, some routes come with stipulations – such as only being able to travel for free from October to March. You also still need to get a ticket, even if you’re not paying.

There’s more information on Transport for Wales’ website .

Free bus travel for over 60s in Northern Ireland

People aged 60 or over in Northern Ireland are able to get free bus travel on the country’s Translink services.

You can read the fine print and start your application on the NI Direct government website .

Free bus, train and LUAS tram travel for over 65s across Ireland

Older people in Northern Ireland may also be able to travel across the whole Emerald Isle for free.

The All Ireland Free Travel Scheme allows for free bus and rail travel in both Northern Ireland the Republic of Ireland – including on Dublin’s LUAS trams (with a few exceptions, of course).

To qualify, you must be a resident of Northern Ireland, aged 65 or older, or a resident of the Republic of Ireland, aged 66 or over. There may also be a few other people who can qualify.

Find out more on NI Direct and on Ireland’s government website, gov.ie .

Free bus travel for disabled people across the UK

People across the UK who have a disability will (mostly) find they are eligible to receive free travel on public transport, mainly buses.

In England, you can apply for a bus pass via your local council’s website, which you can reach by visiting gov.uk .

Residents of Scotland with disabilities can apply for the National Entitlement Card . There is also the Welsh Disabled Concessionary Travel Card, which you can apply for via Transport for Wales .

In Northern Ireland, people who are registered blind or are war disablement pensioners are eligible for free bus travel.

People with learning disabilities, who are partially-sighted, unable to drive on medical grounds, or get the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can get half price travel.

You can find out more and apply for the relevant SmartPass via NI Direct .

Finally, though not free, it’s worth knowing about the Disabled Persons’ Railcard , which can help save up to 1/3 on train fares in the UK (as when it comes to train prices, every little really does help…)

Free school transport for some children across the UK

Last but not least: some UK children are able to get free travel to and from schoo.

If you are eligible to receive this, it will depend on a few things, such as your child’s age and their proximity to school – plus if the nearest school is a few miles away from them.

Children who have no safe walking route home, or who have special educational needs, may also qualify.

To find out if you can get free school transport for your child/ren, visit gov.uk (for England and Wales), gov.scot (for Scotland) and EANI (for Northern Ireland).

One final note

The above is a guide to what kind of free public transport is available in the UK, but doesn’t cover every individual operator.

Things may change over time, there may be stipulations to the free travel, or things may differ slightly depending on who provides public transport in your area.

Always check the website, and read the T&Cs when applying for travel passes.

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Benefits and Entitlements

If you're 60 or over or you have a disability, you might be eligible for public transport concessions – from discounts on your rail journeys to a free bus pass.

What transport concessions are available?

Can i get a free bus pass, can i get a discount on train travel, can i get a london freedom pass, what if i have difficulty using public transport, what if i'm unable to use public transport, more travel concessions questions.

There are several national public transport concessions available to older and disabled people. Some entitle you to discounts on your fares, while others allow you to travel for free.

Eligibility for these concessions depends on whether you have a disability or your age. 

Depending on your age and your circumstances, you might be able to get one of the following free bus passes, which allow you to travel free on local buses:

• an older person's bus pass
• a disabled person's bus pass

What age do I have to be to get an older person's bus pass?

You can get an older person's bus pass when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 for both women and men.

Apply for your older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

If you're 60 or over and live in London, then you can get free travel on buses, trains and other modes of transport in and around London with a 60+ London Oyster photocard.

Apply for your 60+ London Oyster photocard on the TFL website

How can I get a disabled person's bus pass?

There's no central provider of the disabled person's bus pass – to find out if you're eligible and how to apply, you need to get in touch with your local council.

Find your local council and apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Are there any other discounts if I'm an older person or I'm disabled?

It's a good idea to contact individual transport operators to see if they offer discounts.

For instance, National Express offers Coachcards. These are discount cards for older or disabled customers. You buy them for a set fee of £15.00 and they get you a third off the cost of your travel across the year.

Find out more and order a Coachcard on the National Express website

Depending on your age and circumstances, you might be entitled to one of the below railcards:

• a Senior Railcard
• a Disabled Person's Railcard

Both railcards are discount cards. You buy them for a set fee to last either 1 or 3 years and they get you a third off the cost of your train travel.

Can I get a Senior Railcard?

The Senior Railcard is available for anyone aged 60 or over to buy.

You can apply on the Senior Railcard website using a valid passport or UK driving licence as ID. Or, you can apply in person at most staffed railway stations.

Find out more about the Senior Railcard and apply online

Can I get a Disabled Person's Railcard?

The Disabled Person's Railcard is available to you if you meet one of the following criteria:

• you're registered as deaf or use a hearing aid
• you're registered as having a visual impairment
• you have epilepsy
• you receive a disability-related benefit, such as  Personal Independence Payment
• you receive War or Service Disablement pension
• you receive Attendance Allowance
• you receive Severe Disablement Allowance
• you receive War Pensioner's mobility supplement

Find out more about the Disabled Person's Railcard and apply online

Freedom Passes give London residents free travel in the city – including National Rail services, the Underground, buses, river services and trams – and free local bus journeys nationally.

If you live in London, you can apply for a Freedom Pass if one of the following applies to you:

• you've reached State Pension age
• you have a disability.

Find out more about Freedom Passes and apply on the London Councils website

National Rail has an interactive tool called Stations Made Easy, designed to help people find their way around stations and find more accessible routes, avoiding potential difficulties like stairs. This may be helpful if you have difficulty using public transport because of your health. 

Find out more and use the tool on the National Rail website

If you're disabled, you can't use public transport, or you don't have access to a car, you might also be able to use a community transport scheme – such as a social car, dial-a-ride, or taxicard scheme.

Shopmobility schemes help people shop in town centres by lending out wheelchairs and scooters. Some local councils also offer concessions on local public transport.

To find out what's available in your area, you can contact your local council or your local Age UK.

Find your local council on GOV.UK

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No, you can't use a free bus pass on National Express buses. To get senior concessions on National Express you need to buy a senior coachcard, which costs £15 a year.

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Yes, your bus pass will give you free travel on buses across England, including London. However, there may be specific rules about when you can travel for free, so check your local council's free bus pass guidance before travelling.

Find your local council's older person's bus pass guidance on GOV.UK

Want more information?

Apply for an older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

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Last updated: Apr 09 2024

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Coach service offers journeys across the UK for knockdown price of £2 each way

Hundreds of cut-price, sustainable intercity journeys are on special offer this week for trips across England, Scotland and Wales

A transport company is offering £2 tickets for coach trips across the UK to be taken up to May 12. With a £1 service fee, that means travellers planning journeys can book long-distance tickets from £3 on the FlixBus website or app.

In England there is a government-backed scheme capping local bus tickets at £2 until December 2024, but this offer opens up longer routes and also applies to journeys into and around Wales and Scotland, where the £2 cap doesn’t exist. So, if you fancy a trip through the blossoming valleys from Bristol to Swansea, or from Glasgow to Inverness via the Cairngorms, now is the time to book. The deal is available until Sunday 21 April.

The international travel tech company is celebrating three years of business in the UK. It runs in partnership with local coach companies using green, branded vehicles. Earlier this year FlixBus launched the first direct electric coach service between London Victoria station and Newport in south Wales two of around 75 UK destinations currently covered by the network.

FlixBus began as a German startup in 2013 and has grown exponentially since then to cover thousands of routes in more than 40 countries, entering the UK market in 2020. Last summer it launched the first ever regular routes from several UK cities, including Leeds and Cambridge, direct to Amsterdam. The buses aim to be cheap, sustainable, easy to book and comfortable, with free wifi and charging points on board.

The lowest-priced journeys include direct routes such as Manchester to Edinburgh, London to Bridgend, Bristol to Newcastle and hundreds more intercity connections. The whole FlixBus Scottish network is part of the £2 scheme with Inverness added as a new destination this month. In Scotland, National Entitlement Card and Young Scot cardholders can get free travel.

Andreas Schörling, managing director of FlixBus UK, said the network offers affordable tickets and “comfortable, modern vehicles” and is celebrating its third anniversary with “£2 travel around the vibrant cities and towns of the UK”. The company aims to “become the best-loved coach brand in the country”, he added, offering “reliable services to as many passengers as possible”.

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New update on calls to extend free bus pass travel for older people across the UK

M ore than 14,400 people have signed an online petition calling for the concessionary bus pass for people of State Pension age to be extended to cover travel across all parts of the UK. As the petition has now passed the 10,000 signature threshold, it is now entitled to a response from the UK Government.

Petition creator, Charles David Smith, argues giving older people the option to travel for free across all four nations of the UK would “enhance their lives”. At present, the pass can only be used in the country where it has been issued, meaning people in Scotland can use it anywhere north of the border - but not in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

It emerged earlier this year it could be possible to allow people with a concessionary bus pass to travel throughout the UK - in the future. However, Minister for Roads and Local Transport Guy Opperman MP said there are no present plans to “introduce such an arrangement”.

Opperman’s comments came after Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell asked the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Department has “made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a ‘national freedom pass’ for pensioners to utilise public transport across the United Kingdom”.

In a written response, Opperman said “concessionary travel is a devolved policy area so the administrative arrangements in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland differ from those in England".

He added: “The Concessionary Bus Travel Act 2007 does include a power to allow for mutual recognition of concessionary bus passes across the UK through regulations in the future, however there are no plans at present to introduce such an arrangement.”

The petition

The ‘Negotiate UK-wide recognition of older person's bus passes’ petition, has been posted on the petitions-parliament website and states: “We believe the UK Government should negotiate reciprocal agreements with the devolved administrations of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to allow the recognition and use of older person's bus passes across the whole of the UK. Allow those of limited means to enhance their lives with free travel.”

At 100,000 signatures, it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament - you can view it online here .

National Entitlement Card in Scotland

In Scotland, people over 60 are eligible to apply for the National Entitlement Card (NEC), which is administered by the Scottish Government. It is Scotland’s National Smartcard, offering access to many public services across the country.

The card gives elderly and disabled people free bus travel across Scotland and, through the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme, also provides reductions on train, Subway and ferry fares.

The NEC is valid for up to three years, but in a change to the renewal process, SPT no longer sends out renewal forms to disabled card holders. This means everyone with a card - sometimes referred to as a ‘Saltire card’ - should check the expiry date to make sure they will be able to enjoy uninterrupted entitlement to travel concessions.

SPT recommends applying for a renewal card at least five weeks before the expiry date. It’s also important to be aware guidance on the SPT website states the Concessionary Travel Card Unit at Buchanan Bus Station will be closed for in person applications until further notice.

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• Lisa Minot , Head of Travel
• Published : 17:01, 18 Apr 2024
• Updated : 0:42, 19 Apr 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

Sir Richard Branson was spotted ‘sailing’ through the streets of central London today - on a double decker bus-turned-ship.

The iconic entrepreneur was carried aloft a street-sized version of his real-life cruise liner Scarlet Lady, surprising passers-by in Embankment, White City, Piccadilly, Regent Street and Oxford Circus.

As it ‘sailed’ the streets lined with waving members of the public, Branson was also handing out 200 tickets for free trips around the Mediterranean with the cruise firm.

Speaking with The Sun's Head of Travel Lisa Minot, Sir Richard Branson said: "I think that once we finally came out of the blocks, and people saw the cruise ship and went on the cruise ship. People have been so knocked out by it.

"That we've just built up a fantastic loyal following. In the same way, I suppose that we managed to do with Virgin Atlantic 40 years ago."

The entrepreneur explained how they plan to keep extending the cruises, due to the popular demand and sold out programmes.

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He added: "I'm campaigning for one day to do 12-month cruises. But anyway, in the meantime, people can do 30 nights, if they want to do 12 months, they can just keep re-booking."

He said: "We have 1,200 crew per ship, from 86 different nationalities. And they are so great, which makes any company. I was on a Virgin Atlantic plane this morning coming in and they're still as vibrant and positive and as happy as they were 40 years ago when we started."

The British business magnate admitted he had never been on a cruise before Virgin Voyages, continuing: "No, I just never wanted to go on a cruise. And so the challenge was, could we create a cruise line for the 80% of people who would never go on a cruise line. And that's what I think they have achieved.

"And on Virgin you can't not have a great time. I mean the nice thing is when you run a company - I've never had one negative person,  thought from anybody - I mean, it's been so positive. And you could be so proud of it - Nirmal and all the team downwards, right across. I mean, it's just been fantastic what they've created."

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Amid cheers from passers-by the bus cruised through London and they were joined by Nirmal Saverimuttu, Virgin Voyages CEO.

He told The Sun: " People love being on the ships, they love the experiences on board. It's one of the reasons we've won all those awards. They love the food, they love the service, they love the value for money.

"Making this bold decision to be 18 plus, has allowed us to create a very sophisticated, relaxed environment on board. And that's the thing that people love the most about it. "

The ‘ship’ travelling across London was packed full of energy thanks to special appearances from ‘The Happenings’ cast – who usually perform onboard Virgin Voyages ships.

Sir Richard Branson added: "I think that having come from the record business and built the most successful independent record label in the world - is that we know the importance of being entertained.

"And people not being bored and people having fun and not taking themselves too seriously. It's really important that people have an absolute blast throughout their whole time on a Virgin voyage, which they do and we make sure they do."

The stunt was to celebrate the launch of the Virgin Voyages ‘Med Season’ - offering voyages sailing from Barcelona and Athens this May, and from Portsmouth this August.

Along the way the lucky passers-by were gifted with free holidays.

Celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary today, Yutta and her husband Allen Merilanen were in the right place at the right time as they were given a free cruise trip by Sir Richard Branson himself.

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Winners who also received vouchers were screaming and cheering, Aamir Malik, and marathon runner, Olivia Kelly - winning ahead of her race this weekend.

It came as Branson was in London to launch his audiobook ‘Losing and Finding My Virginity’, which gives his personal account of almost six decades of entrepreneurship and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Young Persons's Free Bus Travel Scheme

Free yourself.

If you are under 22 years old and live in Scotland, you are eligible for free nationwide bus travel. Apply now.

Opening doors to new adventures and endless possibilities

The Scottish Government is investing in a sustainable future for young people, with easier access to work, education, social and leisure opportunities through free bus travel.  With just under a million children and young people expected to be eligible, this generation of young people can make travel choices that benefit them, their pocket and the planet! Leading the way to a brighter future.

Free yourself

Where will free bus travel take you?

Video Transcript

Bus travel in Scotland is now free for all children and young people under 22 with a National Entitlement Card.

That’s good for your pocket, good for the planet and it could open doors to, well, just about anywhere.

So go on, free yourself.

Find out how to apply and more at freebus.scot

100 million free bus journeys made by under 22s

More than 100 million free bus journeys have been made since the Scottish Government introduced free bus travel for under 22s.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, and Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights, Patrick Harvie, marked the milestone at Wester Hailes High School in Edinburgh, where they heard how young people and their families have benefited from the scheme.

Ms Hyslop said:

“I’m really pleased to see that over 100 million journeys have now been made by under 22s across Scotland – and that the scheme is making a positive difference to young peoples’ lives.

“This policy is truly transformative. It’s reducing travel costs for young people and their families; encouraging a shift towards public transport from private car use and improving access to social, leisure, education and employment opportunities.

“The findings of the one year evaluation are also key to ensuring the scheme continues to have a positive impact going forward. We will work with operators and other key partners to ensure that service provision matches demand from young people, and that free bus travel continues to have a truly transformative impact across Scotland.”

Unlocking your potential

The National Entitlement Card (NEC) is your key to unlocking free bus travel. You’ll need your NEC or Young Scot NEC before your travel. Find out how to do that here.

How it works

Check who is eligible and which buses you can use.  

How to apply

There are different ways to apply. See which one is best for you.

Get in touch

Find contact details for your local council and more.

Older and Disabled Free Bus Travel

If you are over 60 years old or disabled you may also be eligible for free bus travel.

If you’re under 22 and disabled you can choose between the Disabled Persons’ scheme or the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel scheme. Some local council areas provide discounted travel on rail, tram or subway with a Disabled Persons’ NEC, but you are likely to have to renew that card more often.

But remember: If you have a Disabled Companion card, which lets someone travel for free with you, then you should not change to the new scheme as it doesn’t allow anyone to travel with you for free.

Find out more on the Transport Scotland website now.

One year of free bus travel for U22s

Almost 45 million free bus journeys have been made since the Scottish Government introduced free bus travel for under 22s a year ago.

Scotland benefits from the most comprehensive concessionary travel schemes in the UK. More than a third of the population, over 2.3 million people – everyone under 22, everyone over 60, and disabled people and carers – can benefit from free bus travel.

The overall uptake from the estimated 930,000 people eligible for the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel Scheme is currently 60.7%. The uptake for those aged 12-15 is higher at 69.3% and for those aged 16-21 the figure is 71.5%. 

Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said:

“With almost 45 million free bus journeys made by under 22s across Scotland, this landmark Scottish Government policy is already helping young people and families with children cut the costs or everyday and leisure travel, while at the same time protecting our climate. 

“To ensure as many young people as possible discover the benefits of free bus travel, we have delivered a national marketing campaign to increase awareness and to encourage more applications.

“I’m grateful to all our partners and local authorities for helping to encourage as many young people as possible to take advantage of this important benefit.”

Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights Patrick Harvie said:

“To have seen almost 45 million journeys made through the scheme in the first year demonstrates the real appetite for sustainable travel in Scotland.

“This shows how we can tackle inequality, respond to the climate emergency and improve the lives of young people through decisive government action.

“Free bus travel is already creating new opportunities, protecting our climate while at the same time reducing financial barriers for young people right across the country.”

• Low carbon transport
• Public Transport
• Bus & Active Travel

Dubai airport diverts arrival flights after city-state struck by year's rainfall in a day

More than 120mm (4.7 inches) of rain soaked the city-state on Tuesday - with more expected in the coming hours.

Tuesday 16 April 2024 23:13, UK

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Flights arriving into Dubai airport - the world's busiest for international travel - were temporarily diverted on Tuesday evening to other locations after the city-state was hit by major flooding following heavy rainfall.

More than 120mm (4.7 inches) of rain came down on Tuesday, which is the typical yearly average in the desert nation.

Homes and roads were flooded and partially submerged cars were left abandoned.

The tarmac at Dubai International Airport was also flooded as planes made their way around what looked more like a lake.

Earlier, it was announced airport operations were suspended for 25 minutes due to the bad weather, with at least 21 outbound and 24 inbound flights cancelled during the day, and three flights diverted to other airports.

Despite the disruption, the airport said in its latest announcement that departure flights were continuing to operate.

The airport said that inbound flights would be diverted until weather conditions improve.

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An airport spokesperson was quoted by Gulf News as saying the flights would go to the nearest "available airports".

"The airport is working hard with its response teams and service partners to restore normal operations and minimise inconvenience to our customers," said the spokesperson.

Meanwhile, Flydubai said it had temporally suspended all of its flights departing from Dubai until 10am local time (7am UK time) on Wednesday due to the bad weather, the UAE state news agency WAM reported.

Passengers are being urged to check with their airline about the latest information on their flight status.

There was also heavy rainfall in other parts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven emirates that consists of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

Sky News weather producer Joanna Robinson said: "Intense showers and thunderstorms have been affecting eastern parts of the Arabian Peninsula and southern Iran today, with further flooding rains possible on Wednesday.

"The risk will also extend into southwestern parts of Pakistan.

"It's not unusual to see flash flooding events in the Gulf region, it happens most years, but usually between December and March.

"It looks like over 40mm of rain fell at both Dubai airports earlier today, potentially making it the wettest April day in Dubai according to the Met Office.

"Urban areas and baked ground both increase the risk of surface water flooding as the water is unable to soak through the ground easily."

Lightning flashed across the sky, and it sometimes touched the tip of the world's tallest building - the Burj Khalifa.

Rain is unusual in the UAE - but it happens periodically during the cooler winter months.

Many roads and other areas have insufficient drainage due to the lack of regular rainfall, causing flooding.

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Police and emergency personnel were seen driving slowly through the flooded streets, and tanker trucks were sent on to the streets to pump away the water.

Rain also fell in Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, at least 18 people have died in neighbouring Oman following recent heavy rain.

The victims included 10 schoolchildren and an adult who were swept away in a vehicle.

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"No Flight Payment": 3 Nigerians Travel from UK to Lagos Using Bike, Danfo Bus, Video Trends Online

Three Nigerians living a life of adventure took the brave step to travel from the United Kingdom to Lagos state, Nigeria, by land

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The internet was literally on fire after a Nigerian man, Kunle Adeyanju, kick-started a charity ride from London to Lagos.

In other news, a brave lady, Pelumi Nubi, embarked on an adventure on January 30, vowing to drive from London to Nigeria.

Legit.ng in this article shares stories of three people who travelled from London to Nigeria by land.

1. Kunle Adeyanju

Months ago, a Nigerian biker, Kunle Adeyanju, started a journey that saw him riding to five African countries.

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The adventurous trip took him to Benin Republic, Togo, Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea Conakry.

The mind-boggling road trip that began on April 19 drew to a close on May 29 when the brave biker finally arrived in Nigeria.

It was gathered that Adeyanju spent 40 days on the London to Lagos road trip by a motorbike he had personally embarked on to end polio.

2. Pelumi Nubi

A courageous Nigerian lady, Pelumi Nubi, began a heroic adventure on January 30, promising to drive in her small car called 'Lumi' from Europe to Nigeria.

Undeterred by the challenges she encountered on the way, Pelumi made it to Nigeria on Sunday, April 7, after spending weeks on the road, including driving past the Sahara desert.

Upon her arrival, she posted a clip which showed the large number of people who stormed out to the scene to welcome her.

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Pelumi spent over two months passing through many other African countries, including Ghana and Togo, and her arrival in Lagos marked the end of her journey.

3. Babatunde Tomori

A brave Nigerian man identified as Babatunde Tomori, took a decision to drive a Volkswagen passenger bus (danfo) from London to Lagos state.

Speaking on the reason behind his viral adventure, Babatunde stated that he did it to promote tourism in Nigeria.

Babatunde who has been a civil servant in the UK for about 26 years spent more than two months on the journey.

According to him, the journey took a longer time because got distracted on the way and could not easily break away from families that showed him kindness.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Nigerian man on TikTok sparked a serious conversation with his recent video.

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In his caption, he shared his experience of leaving his home and car in Nigeria only to rely on public transportation in London.

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Source: Legit.ng

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• Driving and road transport

£4.65 million for bus operators to help disabled passengers travel with confidence

New funding will support upgrades to buses to provide real-time travel information to passengers.

• government funding will help small bus operators roll out live audio and visual updates on routes
• builds on millions of pounds already invested by the government to improve transport accessibility
• new one-stop shop guide of helpful advice for disabled passengers using public transport across the UK

Disabled passengers are set to navigate buses with greater ease, thanks to almost £5 million being made available to roll out audible and visual announcements throughout Great Britain.

In the latest of a string of initiatives to improve accessibility across public transport,  applications have today (8 April 2024) opened for small bus and coach operators  to bid for a share of £4.65 million to install state-of-the-art technology that will both display and announce information clearly for all passengers, including those with sight and hearing impairments.

Known as the Accessible Information Grant, this funding will be vital in supporting small operators to fit screens, speakers and induction loops guaranteeing passengers are informed about which route they are on and what stop they are at throughout their journey.

The grant applications support regulations that were introduced last year requiring all bus operators to provide audio and visual updates on journeys, and follow £350 million announced last year to improve accessibility at train stations thanks to reallocated HS2 funding.

Guy Opperman, Minister for Accessibility and Ministerial Disability Champion at the Department for Transport, said:

Buses are the most used form of public transport in the country, and for people who are disabled, they may be the only way to meet friends and family, attend medical appointments or get to work. I can only imagine how daunting it must be to get on a bus and not know for certain where it’s going or when to get off, which is why we introduced new rules to ensure all buses provide this information in an accessible way. This £4.65 million is the extra push to give operators the tools to upgrade their buses on time and ensure all passengers can board with confidence.

Last year, regulations were introduced requiring all bus operators throughout Great Britain to provide high-quality and accessible announcements across their networks to ensure disabled people are not left in the dark when it comes to using our public transport. By supporting smaller bus companies, this funding will help ensure that all operators are able to meet that October 2026 deadline.  

Pete Osborne, Deputy CEO at Guide Dogs, said:

Accessible buses can unlock opportunities to get around independently, whether that’s to travel to work, go shopping or see friends. But for many people with sight loss, bus travel has been difficult or impossible because of a lack of audio next stop and final destination announcements. After years of campaigning, we were delighted with the new regulations announcement last year and we greatly welcome the opening of these grants. AV announcements on buses will be a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive and accessible transport network, helping people live the lives they choose.

This comes as the government, alongside charity Scope, has published the Right to Ride guide which helps disabled people and others with reduced mobility when using bus, coach, taxi, private hire vehicle and rail services by compiling helpful travel information together in one easy-to-read document.

Right to Ride explains the actions a disabled person can take when a journey has been disrupted or the assistance provided is unsatisfactory or has failed, providing guidance on:

• the rights of disabled passengers travelling across Great Britain
• what to expect in terms of assistance
• what to expect in terms of accessibility
• how to make a complaint if travel does not go as planned
• how to claim compensation or redress      

Mark Hodgkinson, Chief Executive at disability equality charity Scope, said:

Disabled people have been campaigning for many years to make public transport more accessible. We know that disabled passengers are often let down by poor customer service, inaccessible transport and a lack of up-to-date information. When things go wrong it can often have a big impact and be hard to know what your rights are to put things right. The Right to Ride document is a significant step forward in providing disabled people with more clarity and transparency over their rights and what to expect when travelling on public transport. We want transport companies to listen to their disabled customers and make travel more accessible for all.

This guide is a positive step forward in helping disabled people know their rights and how to find assistance across land modes of transport, set out as a priority in the Inclusive Transport Strategy ( ITS ).

This follows on from a number of initiatives to improve accessibility across transport, including funding step-free access at over 240 train stations through our  Access for All  programme, as well as the further £350 million to come.

The government has also committed to publishing a National Rail accessibility strategy, announced plans to  strengthen air passenger rights  for disabled passengers, released  new training on handling powered wheelchairs on aircraft and the  Air passenger travel guide .

The department also runs the it’s everyone’s journey campaign, a government-backed initiative to highlight the part we can all play in improving disabled people’s experiences when using public transport. This is all on top of the Disability Action Plan which sets out the immediate actions the government will take in 2024 to improve disabled people’s everyday lives and lays the foundations for longer-term change.

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