Free Bus Travel for Children in England
Children across England can enjoy free bus travel throughout August to help alleviate financial pressures on families during the school summer holidays. The Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed that most under-16s will not need to pay for travel on the majority of local bus services during this time.
Popular sites accessible through this initiative include:
- York Dungeon
- Windsor Castle
- National Space Centre in Leicester
Typically, bus fares for children aged five to 15 range from £1 to £2, while those under five already benefit from free travel.
Statement from Secretary of State for Transport
Heidi Alexander stated, “I know that the cost of living is a concern for households across the UK, which is why we’re cutting costs, with free bus travel for children this summer.”
Other Cost-of-Living Measures
The Government has also introduced the Great British Summer Savings scheme, cutting VAT on items like:
- Children’s meals at restaurants
- Children’s theatre and cinema tickets
- Family attractions including theme parks and adventure centres
Prominent attractions participating include Peppa Pig World, Alton Towers, and Legoland.
£2 Cap on Bus Fares
In addition, the Government announced a £2 cap on bus fares for all passengers, set to reintroduce at the start of next year, down from the current cap of £3. Ms. Alexander highlighted that these measures are meant to ease the cost-of-living strain and help families have enjoyable outings during the school holidays.
