A CAMPAIGN has been launched to encourage more people onto buses and trains this festive season.

Social media sensation Batpug is being used to help spread the word region-wide about MCard.

The smart ticketing scheme is run by bus and rail operators and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Celebrity pooch Batpug is travelling across the county, staging 'meet and greet' events.

Spokesman Richard Armitage said: "We want to encourage more people into our towns and cities this Christmas to enjoy all the fantastic leisure activities available to them.

"There are so many exciting events and places to visit and they're all accessible with MCard!

"It can be used for so much more than just the commute to work.

"People have the freedom to jump on and off any bus or train as many times a day as they wish."

Earlier this year, an app was launched which people can use to buy and load tickets directly onto their MCard.

The cards are available from Metro travel centres and rail and bus station ticket machines.

For more details, visit m-card.co.uk.