Free bus travel for under-16s on most local bus services in England will end on August 31, marking the second bus rule change in a matter of weeks under Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. The scheme, which began on August 1, allowed children aged 5 to 15 to ride for free throughout the school summer holidays.
The initiative was introduced by former Chancellor Rachel Reeves and former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to help families with the cost of living. It includes free travel on most local buses, along with discounts on kids' meals, cinema tickets and theme park entries. The free travel element is only valid until the end of August.
What is the free bus travel scheme?
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "We're giving families room to breathe from the cost-of-living squeeze. With free bus travel for 5 to 15-year olds and discounts on kids' meals at restaurants, cinema tickets and theme parks, we're helping people make the most of the time they have together for the school holidays."
She added: "Not only are we lowering costs for the summer, the £2 bus fare cap will help all passengers get to where they need to for less."
James Murray, Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General, said: "From soft play and theatres to fish and chip shops and cafes, England has thousands of world-class attractions and eateries that families shouldn't have to miss out on this summer because of the cost-of-living squeeze."
He continued: "To provide families with some breathing space, getting the kids there by bus will be completely free from today for the rest of the month, and we've cut VAT on kids' meals in restaurants and tickets to attractions, so this summer holiday is one to remember."
Why is this the second rule change?
August 1 marked the first change, as the free travel benefit came into force. The second change occurs on August 31, when the benefit is removed and normal fares return. Families wishing to use the scheme should plan trips before the deadline, as the free travel applies to most local bus services but not all, so passengers are advised to check with their operator.
The government has encouraged families to use the remaining weeks of August to visit museums, beaches and national parks without incurring bus fares. For parents with young children, this could mean significant savings on a day out, especially for longer journeys where single fares might otherwise exceed £2.
What happens from January 2027?
While the free travel scheme ends this month, Andy Burnham has confirmed a further change to bus fares from January 1, 2027. The maximum bus fare cap will be slashed by a third, reducing the current £2 cap to around £1.33 for the remainder of that year. This measure is part of Mr Burnham's broader commitment to helping people with the cost of living.
The reduction will apply to all passengers, regardless of age, providing a saving on every single journey. It builds on the existing £2 cap, which has been a key feature of the government's transport policy. From the start of 2027, passengers will benefit from even lower maximum fares, making bus travel more accessible for households across England.
Passengers are reminded that the free travel for under-16s is available only until August 31, and that the next fare adjustment takes effect on New Year's Day 2027. With two major changes to bus rules within a single year, travellers are urged to stay informed about the latest developments.
Andy Burnham has previously stated his intention to make bus travel more affordable and reliable, and the fare cap reduction is a concrete step in that direction. The combined impact of the summer free travel scheme and the forthcoming fare cut will provide substantial relief to families and individuals who rely on public transport.
