14.5 million children used buses for free in August
The Great British Summer Savings Scheme offered free travel to children aged 5-15 across England.
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The government's Great British Summer Savings Scheme enabled over 14.5 million children to travel on buses without charge throughout August 2026. This initiative provided free journeys for children aged between 5 and 15, allowing them to visit locations such as parks, museums, and beaches.
Families benefited from the scheme, which typically saw child fares costing up to £2, offering savings on travel across all participating bus services. Bus companies reported substantial growth in passenger numbers during the month, according to figures from the Confederation of Passenger Transport and operators involved.
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Impact on Bus Services
Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, stated that member companies facilitated over 14 million free child journeys, an amount equivalent to two journeys for every young person in England. He noted that millions of children and their families explored their local areas and experienced the convenience of bus travel.
Specific examples highlight the scheme's reach. One bus service in the north-east saw a 710% increase in child passengers compared to the previous summer. In Greater Manchester, the Bee Network recorded nearly 1.7 million child journeys, an increase of 748,000 from the same period last year. Bus services in the East Midlands also nearly doubled their child passenger numbers.
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Lydia Horbury, Chief Executive of Bus Users UK, described the outcome as "fantastic," suggesting that free bus travel empowered families and gave young people the freedom to explore their communities. She indicated that such experiences could foster a lifelong habit of using public transport, benefiting passengers, communities, and sustainable travel.
Future Transport Plans
The success of the summer scheme is part of broader government efforts to enhance bus affordability and accessibility. This includes the planned introduction of a £2 bus fare cap, set to begin in January 2027. Additionally, provisions are being made for 24-hour free bus travel for disabled passengers.
Buses and Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, commented on the scheme's success, stating it helped families manage the cost-of-living pressures. He reiterated the government's commitment to transforming bus services nationwide, citing the fare cap and improved accessibility for disabled passengers as key developments.
Questions this report answers
+How many children used buses for free in August 2026?
Over 14.5 million children aged between 5 and 15 used buses for free across England during August 2026. This was part of the government's Great British Summer Savings Scheme, which aimed to help families with costs.
+What was the Great British Summer Savings Scheme?
The scheme offered free bus travel to children aged 5 to 15 throughout August 2026. It was designed to help families reduce expenses and encourage young people to explore their local areas via public transport.
+When will the £2 bus fare cap be introduced?
The £2 bus fare cap is scheduled to be introduced nationwide in January 2027. This measure is part of a wider government commitment to transform bus services and make them more affordable.
+Did bus companies see more passengers during the scheme?
Yes, participating bus companies reported significant increases in passengers during the Great British Summer Savings Scheme. Some services, like one in the north-east, recorded a 710% rise in child passengers compared to the previous summer.
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