Free Bus Travel for Children This August
As schools prepare to close for the summer holidays, children aged 5 to 15 in England will benefit from complimentary bus travel throughout August. This initiative aims to alleviate financial pressures on families during the summer months, allowing them to enjoy outings without the burden of transportation costs.
During a visit to Bath on 9 July 2026, Roads Minister Simon Lightwood engaged with local leaders and bus operators to announce this cost-effective travel scheme, which will take effect from 1 August to 31 August 2026. Typically, child fares range between £1 and £2; thus, families will witness significant savings on public transport. It is noteworthy that free travel for children under five is already available on major bus services.
Enhancing Summer Experiences for Families
This initiative forms part of the Great British Summer Savings scheme, which aims to make day trips more affordable. Families can explore national parks, visit museums, and enjoy various attractions without worrying about transportation expenses. During his visit, Minister Lightwood interacted with teachers, parents, and students to emphasise how this programme will positively impact their summer experiences.
In addition to free bus travel, the government is implementing cost reductions on children’s meals at restaurants, discounted theatre and cinema tickets, as well as lower admission prices at various attractions, including adventure parks and soft play centres. This comprehensive package is designed to ease the financial constraints many households are currently facing.
Government Initiatives Supporting Accessible Transport
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed her enthusiasm for the Great British Summer Savings programme, which she believes will encourage more families to engage in leisure activities this summer. She noted that many households are concerned about the cost of living, and the provision of free bus travel for children, along with a £3 bus fare cap, will enable families to enjoy small yet meaningful outings with ease.
The government is committed to enhancing public transport accessibility. The £3 bus fare cap has been extended until March 2027, ensuring lower single bus fares for adults as well. Furthermore, earlier this year marked the first rail fare freeze in three decades, which is expected to save passengers approximately £600 million.
Community Leaders Endorse the Initiative
This initiative is bolstered by a substantial £3 billion investment aimed at improving bus services nationwide, supporting local authorities and operators in delivering reliable transportation options for millions of passengers. Helen Godwin, the Mayor of the West of England, expressed her excitement regarding the return of the ‘Kids Go Free’ programme, highlighting its significant positive impact on families in the region.
Godwin remarked on the government’s decision to expand this successful initiative nationally, allowing families in the West Country to explore a wider range of attractions without incurring hefty travel costs.
Encouraging Family Exploration Across England
Andrew Stokes, Director of VisitEngland, praised the introduction of free bus travel for children as the summer holidays commence. He emphasised the importance of this initiative in supporting families as they venture out to discover England’s remarkable attractions and destinations in an environmentally friendly manner.
Whether visiting stunning seaside locations, picturesque countryside, or vibrant urban centres, families have an abundance of opportunities to explore and enjoy the diverse offerings of England this summer. Local tourism and hospitality businesses are anticipated to welcome an influx of visitors, further enriching the summer experience.
For media inquiries, please contact the Roads Media Enquiries team at 0300 7777 878 or switchboard at 0300 330 3000.