- As schools break up, under 16s in England will get
free local buses for whole of August
- Roads Minister visits Historic Bath to launch government
measures to ease the pressure on families this summer
- Families can enjoy days out for less to theme parks,
museums and beaches
As schools shut for summer, free bus travel for all
5-to-15-year-olds in England will be available next month.
Roads Minister, , visited Bath today
(Thursday 9th July) to meet local leaders and bus companies
ahead of the cost-of-living-busting free travel measures
launching in time for summer holidays.
With child fares typically costing between £1 and £2, families
will be able to save on the cost of travel on all participating
buses in England from 1 August until 31 August. Families are
already able to benefit from free travel for under 5s across the
main bus operators.
This is part of this government's Great British Summer
Savings scheme which is helping people enjoy days out
for less, whether it's exploring the great outdoors at a national
park or discovering new things at one of Britain's world-class
museums.
During the visit the Minister met with teachers, school children
and parents to discuss how the scheme will benefit them.
This package isn't just making getting there cheaper, these
summer savings are helping with the cost of living squeeze every
day. Over the summer costs are being cut on children's menu meals
at restaurants, children's tickets for theatres and cinemas, and
tickets for everyone at attractions like adventure centres, theme
parks and soft play.
Secretary of State for Transport 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."
This government is aiming to make all public transport more
accessible, as not only has the £3 bus fare cap been extended
until March 2027, meaning single bus fares for adults are cheaper
too, but earlier this year the first rail fare freeze in 30 years
was announced, saving passengers £600m.
This comes on top of £3 billion investment to make buses
better nationally, supporting local leaders and operators to
deliver new and more reliable services for millions of
passengers.
, Mayor of the West of England
said:
I am so excited that Kids Go Free is back again! We know what a
massive impact this has had for families in the West, helping
kids explore the best of the West and putting money back in
parents' pockets.
"I am thrilled that the government has seen how successful our
scheme has been, and that Kids Go Free is going national for
August. This will give West Country families the chance to
explore even further.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:
It's fantastic to see free bus travel for children as the summer
holidays get underway, supporting families to get out and explore
the outstanding attractions and destinations across England in a
stress free and environmentally friendly way.
Whether enjoying a trip to our stunning seaside destinations,
beautiful countryside or our vibrant city attractions there is so
much to discover during the summer across England. I know our
tourism and hospitality businesses will be very pleased to see
you.
