Bus users in South Tyneside can swap their usual seats for a free swim in one of the borough’s pools thanks to a local travel partnership.
Go North East passengers are being offered a free swim at either Temple Park Leisure Centre or Hebburn Swimming Pool between Monday 26 September and Monday 31 October.
The offer is being made by South Tyneside Council, in partnership with Go North East and Nexus, as part of the borough’s Better Bus partnership.
All passengers need to do is present a valid bus ticket (or smart card), along with a completed voucher, at the reception desk at Temple Park Leisure Centre or Hebburn Swimming Pool.
Leaflets/vouchers are available on selected Go North East buses, at South Shields Town Hall and Jarrow Town Hall Customer Service Centres.
Hebburn pool is easy to reach by bus, with services 27 and 88A stopping right outside. Temple Park Leisure Centre is just a short walk away from Harton Nook, where service 35 stops.
Martin Harris, Commercial Director of Go North East, said: “We want to remind people how easy it is to get to local leisure attractions and around the community by bus.
“The free swim offer is just one of the benefits that stems from working in partnership with South Tyneside Council and Nexus.”
Councillor Tracey Dixon, Lead Member for Leisure and Community Safety, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with our partners at Nexus and Go North East to offer bus passengers the chance of a free swim at our pools and make their bus fare go that little bit further.
“We’re always encouraging people in South Tyneside to get more active and make use of the leisure facilities that are available on their doorstep. Swimming, in particular, is a great sport for all-round fitness and well-being, not to mention a leisurely fun activity for all ages to enjoy.
“I hope that bus users will claim their free swim by travelling with Go North East and presenting their bus ticket or smart card, along with their voucher, at the leisure centre reception desk on admission.”
The Better Bus partnerships were launched in June 2010. South Tyneside Council and Nexus work together with bus operators to plan routes and improve performance.