Free bus travel for every child in August
“By giving every child free bus travel throughout August and cutting tariffs on everyday food items, we’re putting money back into people’s pockets and making life that bit easier.”
- Delivered
Where it stands
The scheme ran from 1 to 31 August 2026 for children aged 5 to 15 on participating local buses in England, as the announcement set out. The Department for Transport said on 25 September 2026 that over 14.5 million free bus journeys were taken by children that summer. It ran after Keir Starmer left office on 20 July 2026.
What has happened
- May 2026The Prime Minister and the Chancellor announce free bus travel for children throughout August, Promised
- Aug 2026Free bus travel for under-16s starts on participating local buses in England, Delivering evidence
- Aug 2026Free travel due throughout August 2026, Deadline
- Sep 2026The Department for Transport reports over 14.5 million free bus journeys by children in August, Delivered evidence
About the cost
The Chancellor committed more than £100 million to the free fares (HM Treasury, 20 May 2026), for one month; no other breakdown was given.
More detail
Sources (3)
- HM Treasury, Prime Minister's Office and Department for Transport: Cost of living boost with free bus travel for children and targeted food tariff cuts (20 May 2026)
- Department for Transport: Summer holiday savings start now with free buses for kids (1 Aug 2026)
- Department for Transport: Summer savings scheme helped families cut costs with over 14 million free bus journeys (25 Sep 2026)
How cards are checked
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