The month-long initiative offering complimentary bus travel for children in England has been launched. According to the Department for Transport (DfT), most individuals under the age of 16 will not have to pay fares on local buses during August. The aim is to alleviate financial pressures on families during the summer break.
Additionally, the Government’s Great British Summer Savings program has reduced Value-Added Tax (VAT) on various items, including children’s meals at restaurants, cinema tickets, and family attractions like theme parks. The DfT has listed popular destinations accessible through the free bus travel for children, such as York Dungeon, Windsor Castle, and the National Space Centre in Leicester.
Typically, bus fares for children aged five to fifteen range from £1 to £2, while travel is free for those under five. Recently, the Government announced the reinstatement of a £2 cap on bus fares for all passengers starting next year, down from the current £3 cap.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed, “We are providing relief to families facing the cost-of-living challenges. By offering complimentary bus travel for children aged five to fifteen and discounts on various activities, we are assisting families in making the most of their time together during the school holidays.”
She added, “In addition to reducing expenses for the summer, the £2 bus fare cap will make transportation more affordable for all passengers.”