This summer, children and young people under 16 across the West of England can travel free on local buses throughout the school holidays, from July 19 to September 5. Backed financially by the West of England Combined Authority, the initiative is designed to help families access local amenities, visit friends and family, and take part in the region’s many free summer activities.
The scheme will benefit around 150,000 children aged five to 15 in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, and Bath and North East Somerset. BristolLive reports that these young residents will be able to use buses without paying fares throughout the holiday period.
Helen Godwin, the newly elected West of England mayor, highlighted the program’s importance: “With so many families facing financial challenges, not everyone can afford a holiday. We want to offer something positive by making travel across our region easier and more affordable, enabling kids to enjoy everything our communities have to offer.”
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Godwin, a mother of three, emphasized the high cost of travel, mentioning that a family of five would spend more than £15 for a day out on the bus, which is a significant expense for many. The free travel initiative seeks to alleviate these costs while promoting the use of public transport.
The program was announced at a play park in Hengrove, attended by local council leaders, teachers, and pupils from Perry Court E-ACT Academy. Students praised the scheme’s benefits, with head girl Raya noting it will help her meet friends and shop for secondary school supplies. Head boy Cyrus highlighted the environmental benefits and how it will ease the financial burden on his family.
Kate Marsh, head teacher at Perry Court, welcomed the scheme, pointing out that many families rely on public transport but face high holiday costs. She said free travel will open up more opportunities for children to explore parks, museums, and events, boosting their cultural experiences and mental wellbeing during the break.
Currently, bus fares for children aged five to 15 are capped at £1 per journey, while children under five already travel free on most services. The new summer offer is funded through £13.5 million from a Department for Transport bus grant.
This move follows last year’s successful scheme allowing free bus travel for residents on their birthday, aiming to encourage public transport use, reduce congestion, and lower pollution.
Local leaders have expressed strong support. Tony Dyer, Bristol City Council leader, called the initiative a vital step toward increased mobility and accessibility. Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, highlighted how the scheme encourages families to explore local attractions like the Roman Baths and regional parks affordably. North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell described it as more than just free travel — a pathway to opportunity, community connection, and a greener future. South Gloucestershire Council leader Maggie Tyrrell noted the environmental benefits of reducing car journeys through increased bus use.
While nearly all bus services in the West of England and North Somerset will be included, some exceptions such as airport routes remain outside the free travel offer. Final approval is still pending.
Calls for free bus travel for young people have been longstanding, with petitions in 2022 and youth climate groups advocating for fare relief for under-25s. Although former mayor Marvin Rees pledged similar plans in 2021, this marks the first significant implementation of free bus travel for children in the region.