TO MARK World Car-Free Day, a Southampton bus service will be offering free travel for youngsters in and around the city.

Bluestar and Unilink is allowing under-16s travelling with a fare-paying adult to use the service without a ticket, with both bus operators encouraging more people to use more sustainable transport.

World Car-Free Day on Saturday is an initiative aimed at easing congestion and improving air quality by promoting mass transit, cycling and walking as an alternative to using the car.

It comes weeks after Unilink unveiled its new multimillion-pound fleet of low-emission buses. The 32 vehicles cost the firm around £7m and will bring it up to speed with the proposed clean air zone restrictions in the city.

Andrew Wickham, Bluestar and Unilink managing director, said: “At Bluestar and Unilink, we welcome any initiative designed to reduce the harmful effects exhaust emissions have on the environment.“Our bus fleet is one of the newest and cleanest in the region.

“Over recent years, we have introduced a large number of new buses to operate our services across the city.

“Many of these sport the very latest Euro 6 engine – releasing fewer emissions than the average new diesel car.

“World Car-Free Day ties in perfectly with what we are trying to achieve in Southampton.

“Buses provide the perfect affordable solution to reducing air pollution, so we’re proud to have invested millions of pounds in improving the comfort and reliability of our services here.“Our team is hoping youngsters and their parents will take advantage of the chance to travel with us for free on Saturday 22 September - particularly those who may otherwise use their cars. We look forward to welcoming them on-board.”