![\"Big](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_154420458-7b5c.jpg\")
\n\t\tMore people can now travel for free on local buses (Picture: Shutterstock \/ Sergii Figurnyi)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tMore people can now travel for free on local buses (Picture: Shutterstock \/ Sergii Figurnyi)<\/p>\n
From August 1, bus fares across England are changing. <\/p>\n
Typically, throughout the year, children under five and adults over the state pension age (66) can travel on local buses for free, while outside of London<\/a>, those aged between five and 15 pay \u00a32 or less.<\/p>\n However, from today (August 1) until the end of the month, all kids up to age 15 will be able to enjoy unlimited free travel on participating buses in England as part of a new scheme.<\/p>\n The \u2018fare-free scheme\u2019, which was announced by the government<\/a> in May, is part of a wider \u00a3100 million effort to relieve some of the ongoing cost-of-living<\/a> pressures crippling families in the UK.<\/p>\n And the best part? There\u2019s absolutely no registration required to take advantage of it; your little ones can just get on and go.<\/p>\n @rachelreevesmp<\/a> <\/p>\n NEW: Free bus travel for kids this summer! TikTok, I wanted you to be the first to hear that I\u2019m announcing free bus travel for kids this summer. \u2600\ufe0f Every child aged 5-15 in England will travel free on participating local buses throughout August, with unlimited journeys, no registration required, and no cost to families. I know that the cost of living remains tough for families, and so I\u2019m stepping in to make sure kids can still experience the little joys this summer. Share this with someone who needs to know there\u2019s free bus travel for kids this summer! #breakingnews<\/a> #ukpolitics<\/a> #buses<\/a> <\/p>\n \u266c Walking Around \u2013 Instrumental Version \u2013 Eldar Kedem<\/a> <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tAsk Metro<\/p>\n Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about \u2013 powered by Metro and trusted publications.<\/p>\n The scheme mirrors one already in place across the West of England. The Kids Go Free initiative allows children and young people to travel for free on buses in Bath & North East Somerset<\/a>, Bristol<\/a>, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire<\/a> during school<\/a> holidays \u2014 including Christmas<\/a> and Easter.<\/p>\n According to Helen Godwin, the Labour Mayor of the West of England, the Kids Go Free programme has provided 1.4 million free journeys so far.<\/p>\n The government has estimated that the free bus scheme could save a family with two children who make a weekly return trip at \u00a31.50 per fare approximately \u00a327.<\/p>\n Officials have also confirmed that there will be no cap on how many trips a child can take.<\/p>\n Sharing the news on TikTok, former Chancellor Rachel Reeves told audiences that she was \u2018stepping in to make sure kids can still experience the little joys this summer.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t While fare prices vary across the country, the average bus fare in England is typically capped at \u00a33, although this is changing in January 2027 to \u00a32. Outside of London, most single tickets tend to cost between \u00a31.50 and \u00a32.<\/p>\n Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has deemed the initiative vital to relieve families of \u2018added financial pressure,\u2019 stating \u2018free bus travel for every child in August means parents can plan days out, visit loved ones and make the most of the holidays.\u2019<\/p>\n A full list of all participating\u00a0local buses committed to the scheme can be found on the gov.uk website<\/a>. Highlights include:<\/p>\n The X46 from Hull to York for a trip to The York Dungeon<\/p>\n Hopping on the Carousel 37 from High Wycombe to see the deer in Windsor Great Park and visit Windsor Castle<\/p>\n Taking the 54 bus from Leicester for an experience at the National Space Centre<\/p>\n The Coaster 12, Regency 28, or the Breeze 77 are local buses that will take you right to Brighton\u2019s seafront for a day at the beach, exploring the lanes or going on the rides on Brighton Pier<\/p>\n The X1 and X11 from Norwich to Great Yarmouth for a day out at the Merrivale Model Village<\/p>\n For a day exploring the outdoors, the 23 or 24 bus from Birmingham to Woodgate Valley Country Park for pony trekking, cycling or visiting the sheep, pigs and goats at the Urban Farm<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tWill you be using the bus more this summer thanks to the scheme?<\/p>\n The Summer Bus Fare Offer is part of the government\u2019s Great British Summer Savings\u00a0scheme, which will see VAT temporarily cut to help reduce the cost of days out and support local businesses by increasing footfall.<\/p>\n The project will include suspended tariffs on children\u2019s meals in restaurants, kids\u2019 tickets to cinemas and theatres, and entry to a wide range of attractions.<\/p>\n Speaking about Great British Summer Savings, former Prime Minister Kier Starmer said: \u2018When I think about the summer holidays, I think about the Lake District \u2014 where I went as a child and later made memories with my own family.<\/p>\n \u2018I know how precious that time is, yet too many parents feel they have to hold back because the cost of living is still squeezing budgets.<\/p>\n \u2018This summer we\u2019re cutting the cost of a day out together \u2013 free bus travel for children aged five to 15 in England, and VAT slashed on a wide range of kid\u2019s attractions \u2013 so families can afford more time together.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tTFL launches new ‘Weekend Hopper’ fare this summer\t\t\t<\/p>\n Millions of Londoners are also set to benefit from cheaper bus journeys this summer after TFL announced it would be extending the popular \u2018Hopper\u2019 fare to include weekends.<\/p>\n The Hopper fare currently allows passengers to take as many trips as they like on London buses and trams within an hour for the price of a single ticket (\u00a31.75).<\/p>\n However, starting on July 25, customers will now be able to pay a single fare ticket and enjoy unlimited travel\u00a0all weekend.<\/p>\n Lasting until August 31, these are the weekends you\u2019re going to want to mark in your calendar:<\/p>\n August 1-2 A version of this article was first published on May 21, 2026.<\/p>\n Do you have a story you\u2019d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow \t\t\tComments \t\t\t\tAdd as preferred source![\"Teenage](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1783374729.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe free bus scheme is part of Labour\u2019s push to ease cost of living pressures (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\nAugust 8-9
\nAugust 15-16
\nAugust 22-23
\nAugust 29-30<\/p>\n
\nMORE: Lidl just brought back the \u2018ultimate\u2019 shopping perk \u2014 and it only costs 1p<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: \u2018Full of charm\u2019 B&B crowned the best accommodation of its kind in England\u2028<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: There\u2019s a life-size Toy Story experience in London this summer<\/a><\/p>\n
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