A scheme offering free bus travel for children across England has begun, running throughout the month of August. The Department for Transport announced that most children under 16 will not have to pay fares on most local bus services during this period. This initiative aims to help families manage rising living costs during the school holidays.

Typically, fares for children aged five to 15 range between £1 and £2, while children under five already travel free. The government also revealed plans to reinstate a £2 cap on bus fares for all passengers starting next year, reducing the current maximum fare of £3.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the government’s intent to alleviate financial pressure on families. She said the free travel, along with other discounts, provides families with an opportunity to make the most of the holiday season.

In addition to the free bus rides, the Department for Transport highlighted several popular destinations accessible by bus that children can visit without extra travel costs. These include attractions such as the York Dungeon, Windsor Castle, and the National Space Centre in Leicester.

This initiative forms part of the broader Great British Summer Savings scheme, which also includes the temporary removal of VAT on a variety of family-oriented services and products. This VAT reduction applies to children’s meals at restaurants, children’s theatre and cinema tickets, and entry to family attractions such as theme parks. The combined measures seek to support families in enjoying leisure activities during the school break while managing household expenses.