{"id":123133,"date":"2026-07-18T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T06:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/?p=123133"},"modified":"2026-07-18T01:02:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-18T00:02:02","slug":"millions-of-children-set-for-free-bus-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/millions-of-children-set-for-free-bus-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"Millions of Children Set for Free Bus Travel under New August Rule"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Children under 16 will be able to travel free on local buses across England throughout August under a new government initiative intended to reduce transport costs during the school summer holidays. The Great British Summer Savings Scheme will begin on 1 August<\/strong> and continue until 31 August. It will extend free local bus travel to young passengers outside London, where fares for children currently vary according to decisions made by individual local authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free Travel Will Apply throughout August<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to reports, the scheme will allow under-16s to use local bus services in England without paying a fare for the full month of August. More than 14 million people are expected to fall within the eligible age group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children under 16 already travel free on buses in London. Outside the capital, arrangements differ between areas, with local authorities able to determine their own prices. The reports state that fares for young passengers commonly range from \u00a31 to \u00a32<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government has presented the temporary measure as part of a wider effort to make public transport more affordable for families during the summer. It sits alongside the \u00a33 bus fare cap for adults, which has been extended until March 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander<\/a> said the programme would help families take day trips and visit attractions during the holidays. She referred to destinations including the Roman Baths, the Science Museum and Alton Towers when describing the types of journeys the scheme could support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to The Sun, Alexander also linked the measure to household concerns about the cost of living. She said free travel for children and the continuing adult fare cap were intended to reduce the cost of ordinary outings and make summer activities<\/strong> more accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The arrangement applies specifically to local buses in England. The supplied reports do not provide details about eligibility checks, required identification, participating operators or whether any services will be excluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hardworking families deserve support to make the most of their summer holidays, especially with rising bills.

Improving access to public transport is one way of doing this.

That's why I pushed the Gov to extend free bus travel for U15s, if the scheme is successful this summer. pic.twitter.com\/R0eRrTRxCa<\/a><\/p>— Clive Jones MP (@CliveJonesMP) July 17, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>