This summer, children and young people under 16 in the West of England will be able to travel free on buses throughout the school holidays. Starting from July 19 until September 5, this new initiative, funded by the West of England Combined Authority, aims to support families by providing free transportation across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath, and North East Somerset.
Approximately 150,000 children aged five to 15 will benefit from this offer, making it easier for them to visit friends, family, parks, museums, and local attractions without the burden of travel costs.
Helen Godwin, the newly elected West of England mayor, emphasized the importance of this scheme during tough economic times. “We want all families to have something to look forward to this summer,” she said. “Traveling by bus can be expensive, especially for families with several children, so providing free bus travel opens up many opportunities for fun and exploration.”
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The cost of bus fares has been a major hurdle for many families, particularly with the rising cost of living. Free summer bus travel will help alleviate these expenses, enabling children to enjoy the wide range of free activities available across the region.
The announcement was made at a local play park in Hengrove, with enthusiastic support from council leaders, teachers, and students from Perry Court E-ACT Academy. Head girl Raya shared her excitement: “This is brilliant. I don’t live close to my friends, so I’ll be able to meet up with them more often and also go into town to get ready for secondary school.”
Head boy Cyrus also welcomed the scheme, highlighting its practical benefits for large families and environmental advantages. “It’s better for the environment when we use the bus instead of lots of cars,” he noted.
Kate Marsh, head teacher at Perry Court, praised the initiative’s positive impact on children’s cultural experiences, education, and mental wellbeing. The scheme removes transport barriers, allowing kids to explore their communities more freely during school breaks.
Currently, bus travel for children aged five to 15 is capped at £1 per journey, while those under five already travel free on most services. This summer’s free travel program is part of a larger £13.5 million bus funding package from the Department for Transport.
This initiative builds on previous successes, including a free bus pass for all residents during the month of their birthday, encouraging wider use of public transportation to reduce congestion and pollution.
Local council leaders voiced strong support for the scheme. Bristol City Council leader Tony Dyer highlighted the importance of accessible transport, especially during the cost-of-living crisis, while Bath & North East Somerset Deputy Leader Sarah Warren emphasized the opportunity for families to explore the region’s attractions without extra expense.
North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell described the program as a “ticket to opportunity, connection and a greener future,” and South Gloucestershire Council leader Maggie Tyrrell expressed hope that free bus travel will reduce car journeys and improve air quality.
The offer will cover nearly all bus services in the West of England and North Somerset, excluding airport routes. Final approval of the plans is still pending.
Campaigners have long pushed for free bus travel for young people. While previous efforts were made, including petitions and election promises, this is the first time such a comprehensive scheme for children under 16 has been introduced in the region.