Kids to get free bus travel in August

Parents will find it cheaper to go out and about with the kids this summer thanks to a new government scheme.

As part of the Great British Summer Savings initiative, children in England will be able to travel by bus free of charge during August.

So if your child is aged from five to 15, they’ll get unlimited journeys on participating local buses without having to register or pay a fare.

How much could families save?

A family with two children who make a return trip once a week in August could save around £27.

And that saving could make a big difference as parents juggle multiple extra costs during the summer holiday.

“By giving every child free bus travel throughout August, we’re putting money back into people’s pockets and making life that bit easier,” said prime minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander added that the scheme means parents “can plan days out, visit loved ones and make the most of the holidays without the added financial pressure”. 

What else can I do to keep costs down in summer?

While free bus fares for kids in August is great news for hard-pressed parents, that doesn’t take away other expenses they’ll be dreading this summer.

But there are a few practical steps you can take to cut costs throughout August.

Look for discounts on bus fares

If you regularly travel by bus, it could also be worth seeing if you’re eligible for free or discounted bus travel too.

There are several schemes in place that could lead to cheaper fares, depending on your age, location and circumstances.

Find out more here.

Plan budget-friendly activities

Summer can cause a big financial headache for mums and dads, but it doesn’t have to cost you lots of money.

We’ve put together some ideas on how parents can cut the cost of the summer holidays, so you can focus on what really matters - spending precious time together.

Look for good deals if you’re going abroad

A foreign holiday might seem a bit too expensive right now, but if you dig a bit deeper, there are good deals to be found.

Simple steps like setting up price alerts and being flexible with your travel dates could make a huge difference to the cost of a trip overseas.

Check out our recommendations on how you can save money when booking your summer holiday.