Children in England can now enjoy a month of complimentary bus travel as part of a new initiative. The Department for Transport (DfT) announced that most children under 16 will not need to pay for bus fares in most local areas throughout August. This move aims to alleviate financial pressures on families during the summer break.
In addition to free bus travel, the Great British Summer Savings scheme includes a reduction in VAT on various items such as children’s meals at restaurants, cinema tickets, and entry to family attractions like theme parks and adventure centers. Popular destinations eligible for free bus travel include York Dungeon, Windsor Castle, and the National Space Centre in Leicester.
Typically, bus fares for children aged five to 15 range from £1 to £2, while travel is already free for those under 5. The government also announced plans to reintroduce a £2 cap on bus fares for all passengers starting next year, down from the current cap of £3.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the government’s efforts to ease the cost-of-living burden on families. She highlighted the benefits of free bus travel for children and discounts on various leisure activities, allowing families to make the most of their time together during the school holidays. The new £2 bus fare cap is expected to provide cost savings for all passengers in the future.
