A temporary change to free bus travel rules has come into force across England, allowing children aged 5 to 15 to travel free on participating services during August 2026. The measure applies from 1 August to 31 August 2026 and has changed the usual age arrangements for free bus access during the school holidays.
The scheme affects families using eligible bus services during the summer period, with local councils and operators setting their own conditions in some areas. The offer forms part of a wider set of summer support measures introduced under the Labour government led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, according to the information provided by transport authorities.
Free Bus Travel Available for Children during August
The temporary arrangement means children and young people aged 5 to 15 can use participating bus services without paying a fare during August. The usual free bus pass age is linked to older passengers, with eligibility generally beginning at 66 and rising to 67 in line with the state pension age.
The summer scheme was first confirmed by former Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the measure was designed to help families manage costs during the school holidays. “We’re giving families room to breathe from the cost-of-living squeeze,” Heidi Alexander said when the scheme was announced.
She added that free bus travel for children aged 5 to 15, alongside discounts on activities such as children’s meals, cinema tickets and theme parks, was intended to help families during the holiday period. She also referred to the continuation of the £2 bus fare cap for passengers.
According to Transport for West Midlands, children and young people can travel free on participating bus services in the West Midlands between 1 and 31 August 2026. The transport authority said passengers do not need to register or book in advance, but they should check whether their operator is taking part before travelling.
Local Rules and Operator Conditions Apply
The free travel offer does not cover every bus operator or every service. Local transport providers may apply additional requirements, including requests for proof of age, the use of local travel cards, or rules relating to younger children travelling without an adult.
Transport for West Midlands advised passengers to check operator details before making a journey. The authority said travellers should bring proof of age if available, as this may be requested where eligibility is unclear.
Some areas may extend the offer beyond the standard 5 to 15 age range, depending on local arrangements. According to Transport for West Midlands, passengers should check participating operators and ask the driver for a free summer bus ticket when boarding.
The authority also advised families to use journey planning tools to identify suitable routes for days out or local travel. Conditions may differ between services, meaning passengers are encouraged to review individual operator guidance before setting off.
The temporary change remains in place throughout August 2026 only. Once the summer period ends, normal bus travel rules and age requirements will apply again unless separate local schemes are available.
