Free August bus travel for children: Campaign for Better Transport comments
1 August 2026
Reacting to the introduction of free bus travel for children throughout August, which starts today, Silviya Barrett of Campaign for Better Transport said:
“This is a great initiative. The school summer holidays can be an expensive time, and this scheme can save families money as well as the hassle of driving and paying for parking. It will also give buses a real boost, encouraging more people on board and inspiring the bus users of the future. Buses are brilliant for children and young people, not just for summer fun, but for increasing independence and opening up opportunities.”
But Silviya Barrett cautioned:
“However, not everyone can take advantage of this offer. One in seven people live in places without a decent bus service. Alongside its excellent initiatives to make bus travel cheaper, the Government must focus on increasing buses to these disconnected places.”
ENDS
For further information please contact the press office on 07984 773 468 (calls only no texts) or communications@bettertransport.org.uk.
Notes to Editors
From 1 August to 31 August 2026, children aged 5 to 15 years will benefit from free bus travel in England. Read the Government’s announcement.
Campaign for Better Transport, in partnership with Podaris, collected data on household access to bus stops and the frequency of services for every local authority ward in England. It found that one in seven (15 per cent) people in England live in places that do not have a ‘decent’ bus service. This was defined as the lowest level of provision that could reasonably be considered acceptable in a given context: High density areas, >95% of people live within a 5 min walk of a bus stop and >75% of people have access to at least 300 trips/week; mid density areas, >90% of people live within a 10 min walk of a bus stop and >50% of people have access to at least 150 trips/week; low density areas, >50% of people live within a 10 min walk of a bus stop and >40% of people have access to at least 50 trips/week.
An additional £300 million a year (the same as 0.15% of the NHS budget) would ensure every community in England had a decent level of bus service.
Campaign for Better Transport operates in England and Wales. Campaign for Better Transport’s vision is for all communities to have access to high-quality, sustainable transport that meets their needs, improves quality of life, reduces inequality, and supports a vibrant, productive and decarbonised economy. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).
