The Great British Summer Savings scheme comes into force this weekend, letting children aged five to 15 ride local buses for free across England for the whole of August. The measure was first announced more than two months ago by former Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
How the scheme works
Child fares normally cost between £1 and £2, so families can save on travel for 31 days during the school holidays. Adults do not qualify, but single bus fares in England are still capped at a maximum of £3. The free travel applies to thousands of routes across England, including services run by First Bus, Stagecoach and Go-Ahead.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Simon Lightwood confirmed the plans will go ahead from this weekend, speaking in the House of Commons last week.
Government reaction
"The Government know how important affordable bus travel is for helping children and young people to access opportunities," Lightwood said. "This will help families to get out and about for less during the summer holidays. It builds on local initiatives from Labour Mayors in the west and north-east of England that allow children to travel by bus for free."
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "We're giving families room to breathe from the cost-of-living squeeze. With free bus travel for 5 to 15-year olds and discounts on kids' meals at restaurants, cinema tickets and theme parks, we're helping people make the most of the time they have together for the school holidays. Not only are we lowering costs for the summer, the £2 bus fare cap will help all passengers get to where they need to for less."
James Murray, Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General, added: "From soft play and theatres to fish and chip shops and cafes, England has thousands of world-class attractions and eateries that families shouldn't have to miss out on this summer because of the cost-of-living squeeze. To provide families with some breathing space, getting the kids there by bus will be completely free from today for the rest of the month, and we've cut VAT on kids' meals in restaurants and tickets to attractions, so this summer holiday is one to remember."
