SHOPPERS will be able to jump on board a free Christmas bus running in December.

Worcester City Council and First Bus are giving shoppers and residents a whole day of free travel to the city centre.

Fares on First Bus routes in the city will be completely free on Saturday, December 10 to help reduce traffic in the city centre for Christmas shopping.

The free bus services, funded by Worcester City Council, will provide travel to the Fine Food and Gift Markets, taking place in High Street between Friday, December 9 and Sunday, December 11.

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Cllr Adrian Gregson, Mayor of Worcester, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to work with First Bus to bring this fantastic Christmas present to Worcester residents and shoppers.

“At a time of financial pressure, I know many people will appreciate a saving on their transport costs and coming into Worcester’s city centre by bus puts you straight into the heart of the city’s fabulous shops and markets.”

The free unlimited travel is for one day only on Saturday 10 December on the following routes to the city centre:

  • 30
  • 31
  • 32 
  • 34
  • 35 
  • 36
  • 38
  • 44
  • 45
  • 417
  • 144 (the Salt Road)
  • X50

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Richard Chinnock, operations manager at First Worcester, said: “A day of free bus travel is a great opportunity for people to leave their cars at home, do their bit for the environment and save some cash too.

"Residents can jump on their local bus service and enjoy some Christmas shopping whilst partaking in the festivities across the city.

"On December 10 all our bus services will be free to travel on across the Worcester bus network, thanks to Worcester City Council.”

Worcester is hosting the traditional Victorian Christmas Fayre from Thursday, December 1 to Sunday, December 4, with more than 150 stalls filling the city’s streets and entertainment.

That will be followed by six days of special festive markets in the city centre, including the Fine Food and Gift Markets.

From Friday, December 16 to Sunday, December 18 another market in High Street and Cathedral Square will be selling locally produced food and drink, and Christmas gifts, between 9am and 5pm.