Harrogate-based bus operator Transdev has raised thousands to support Ukraine relief by donating money for every ticket sold on all its buses in a day across Yorkshire.

The big-hearted bus firm decided to launch its fundraising mission to support the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)’s appeal with the backing of its customers in Yorkshire, plus Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

On Sunday 20th March, Transdev pledged to donate 10p to the DEC’s humanitarian appeal for each ticket sold on board hundreds of its buses from Preston in the west to Scarborough in the east.

And today, the bus operator is thanking its customers for their support as it confirms the fundraising day has raised £3,374.69 for the DEC appeal.

Transdev CEO Alex Hornby said:

“Like everyone, we have all been saddened by the appalling events in Ukraine and the dreadful impact this has had on people who have had to flee the country.

“All of us at Transdev at our locations right across Yorkshire and the North West felt compelled to show our support and we hope the donation from our fares will go some way in giving the right kind of help to those who need it.

“We are proud to employ a number of Ukrainian families as part of our own team here in the North and give our full support to international Transdev colleagues aiding the humanitarian effort elsewhere in Europe.”

As well as the 10p donation from Transdev for every ticket it sold on the day, the bus firm also collected generous donations on its buses from its customers.

Each of its buses now wears a Ukrainian flag shaped in a heart, as a visible and public show of support and to help raise awareness of the need to keep on supporting those helping people on the ground in Ukraine.

The bus operator is also providing free travel for Ukrainian refugees heading for destinations it serves, simply by showing a Ukrainian passport and an airline boarding pass valid within the last 48 hours.

The DEC’s Ukraine Appeal has already raised over £260 million in donations and sponsorship, while the UK Government has committed £400 million in urgent economic and humanitarian support.

Details of all Transdev bus routes and tickets across Yorkshire are available online at transdevbus.co.uk and on the free to download Transdev Go mobile app.

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