Nearly 2 million people use buses for free to get around borough

A record number of passengers have been able to use the bus for free thanks to the Concessionary Fare Scheme (CFS).

1,898,237 people took a trip on the bus using the CFS in 2025, which is almost a quarter of a million more than 2024.

In June 2023, pre-9.30am Concessionary Travel was introduced, meaning anyone of certain disabilities or of pensionable age could always travel around the borough for free. Prior to this, free travel was only available to those people after 9.30am.

The pre-9.30am Concessionary Travel will continue for at least another year so that people who may otherwise struggle to get around have access to cheaper bus travel.

This decision comes at a time of great positive change for the borough and more importantly for two of its main towns.

Grimsby and Cleethorpes have been undergoing a complete transformation with regeneration projects ongoing across the borough. In Grimsby, recent additions such as the Community Diagnostics Centre (CDC) have driven more footfall into the centre, many of whom have benefitted from the CFS.

Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “We are delighted to see the success of this scheme. We know that local buses play an essential role in enabling independence and allowing residents to stay active; to live the life they want.

“Whether it is going out to the shops or getting a coffee with friends or family, or even going to the cinema, the bus is the perfect way to get about – and at a great value price.”