Millions of families have just days left to make the most of free bus travel this summer. Under-16s are currently eligible for free travel across most bus services in England as part of a cost of living scheme, but this perk is due to finish on August 31.
Child fares typically cost between £1 and £2, while families already get free travel for under-5s across the main bus operators.
Scheme details and operator restriction
There is no limit on the number of journeys that can be made, and no registration is required. However, one bus operator last week introduced a time restriction on when children can travel without an adult following reports of anti-social behaviour.
First Bus has announced that under-16s cannot travel without an adult after 6pm in Stoke-on-Trent until further notice.
Operator statement and future changes
Rebecca Arrowsmith, General Manager of First Bus in the Potteries, said: “We have, regrettably, made the decision to introduce this change to the child free travel scheme to help prevent growing incidents of antisocial behaviour at the bus station and on our services.
“The safety of our staff and customers is always our number one priority and we will always take steps to ensure everyone on board can travel in comfort and without nuisance. This measure has the full support of the council and will be kept under daily review. We hope to be able to end the restriction as soon as possible.”
It comes after the Government announced that eligible disabled people across England will get free bus travel all day, every day. Currently, disabled bus passes are only valid for travel between 9.30am and 11pm during weekdays, unless local authorities choose to fund an extension.
But from April 2027, people who hold a disabled bus pass can travel on buses for free, no matter the time of day. Labour has also introduced a cap on single bus tickets at £2 from January 2027 for the rest of the year. Currently, fares have been capped at £3 until the end of March 2027.
