As Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day approach, communities all over the country are preparing to come together to honour those who have served and sacrificed.

Here in Pudsey and Farsley, we’re busy finalising plans for our local services and poppy appeal events – and it’s heartening to see organisations across the country stepping forward to make remembrance more accessible for everyone.

This year, both First Bus and the UK rail industry have announced free travel offers to help veterans, serving personnel, cadets, and Royal British Legion volunteers get to remembrance events and collections.

Free bus travel with First Bus

First Bus has announced that it will be offering free travel across all its UK services on both Sunday 9 November (Remembrance Sunday) and Tuesday 11 November (Armistice Day).

Anyone wearing uniform, displaying medals, or carrying valid military ID can travel free of charge on those dates. It’s a small but meaningful gesture that ensures no one is left behind when it comes to paying their respects.

You can find full details on their website here:

First Bus – Remembrance Sunday & Armistice Day Travel Offer

Free rail travel for veterans, serving personnel & RBL Volunteers

The rail industry, through the Rail Delivery Group, has also confirmed free train travel for serving members of the Armed Forces and veterans attending remembrance events.

Here’s how it works:

  • Remembrance Sunday (9th November) – Free return rail travel for serving personnel and veterans attending services.

  • For London services, the offer also covers the day before or after (Saturday 8 November or Monday 10 November) to allow for overnight stays.

  • For services outside London, free travel is valid for the Sunday only.

  • Proof of service such as a Veterans Railcard, MOD90 ID card, or medals should be shown if requested.

In addition, Royal British Legion volunteers and collectors attending London Poppy Day on Thursday 30 October can also travel free to any London Terminal. The offer includes the day before or after, giving volunteers a bit more flexibility.

Read the full announcement from the Rail Delivery Group

Coming together in remembrance

It’s heartening to see businesses and transport operators recognising the importance of this time of year. These small acts of respect help make remembrance accessible for everyone – whether you’re a veteran attending your local service for the first time in years, a cadet proudly marching with your unit, or a family member standing quietly to remember someone special.

Here in Pudsey and Farsley, we know how much the community values remembrance. Every year we see hundreds of people – young and old – come together to stand in silence, to lay wreaths, and to wear their poppies with pride.

If you’re planning to join us locally this year, we look forward to seeing you at the services. And if you’re travelling further afield, we hope these travel offers make the journey a little easier.

If you’re a local veteran or serving member who needs a bit of help getting to or from a remembrance event, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Whether it’s arranging a lift, helping find accessible travel options, or putting you in touch with support services – we’ll always do our best to help.

Lest We Forget. 🌹