Under-16s will not have to pay for travel on most local buses until the end of the month
The Government’s free bus passes rule has run for a few days (file image) (Image: Getty)
The Government’s free bus passes rule has run for a few days in a bid to cut summer spending, but the initiative will end in a matter of weeks, affecting millions of Brits.
Children have been entitled to free bus travel across England for the entirety of August in a scheme rolled out on Saturday, August 1.
Under-16s will not have to pay for travel on most local buses for the same period – applying to around 14million people.
People queue to board a bus in Birmingham (file image) (Image: Getty)
Britain’s five main bus operators – Stagecoach, First Bus, Arriva, Go-Ahead and National Express – are all taking part in the scheme.
It is part of the Great British Summer Savings scheme, which has cut VAT on several popular summertime activities, including discounts on children’s meals at restaurants, theatre and cinema tickets, theme parks and adventure centres.
The initiative was introduced by Rachel Reeves earlier this year with the hopes to relieve cost-of-living pressures on parents during the summer holidays.
Sadiq Khan quizzed by pensioner on future of free bus passes
A standard child fare is priced between £1 and £2, meaning families can save on travel costs throughout the school break.
Free bus travel will only be offered to under-16s until August 31, just before the schools go back.
Children between five and 15 will be entitled to the scheme throughout the entirety of August.
Children under five are already offered free travel.