The UK government has confirmed a new initiative allowing children aged between five and 15 to travel for free on participating local bus services across England throughout August.
The scheme, which runs from 1 August to 31 August, will allow eligible children to travel free on participating bus operators. Under-fives already travel free on many major bus networks.
Roads Minister Simon Lightwood visited Bath on 9 July to meet local authorities, bus operators, teachers, parents and schoolchildren ahead of the launch of the initiative.
The Department for Transport said the measure forms part of the government’s wider Great British Summer Savings programme, which includes discounts on a range of family activities and attractions during the school holidays.
With typical child bus fares ranging from 1 GBP to 2 GBP, the initiative is intended to help families reduce transport costs while encouraging travel to destinations including beaches, museums, national parks and visitor attractions.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:Great British Summer Savings means more people can be excited about getting out and about this summer, whether it's seeing the Roman Baths, learning something new at the Science Museum, or falling asleep on the bus ride home after a day riding rollercoasters at Alton Towers.
I know that the cost of living is a concern for households across the UK, which is why we're cutting the cost of the day-to-day, with free bus travel for children this summer and the £3 bus fare cap helping more families make the most of the small plans that make life enjoyable.
The government also highlighted that the 3 GBP cap on adult single bus fares has been extended until March 2027. It also announced a rail fare freeze earlier this year and is investing 3 billion GBP in bus services across England to support service improvements delivered by local authorities and operators.
