STORY
More than 14.5 million free bus journeys were made by children during August under the Government’s Great British Summer Savings Scheme. Children aged between five and 15 were able to travel without charge on participating services across England.
Figures supplied by participating operators showed substantial increases in child passenger numbers. The Bee Network in Greater Manchester carried nearly 1.7 million children during the month, an increase of 748,000 compared with the previous summer, while one service in north east England recorded a rise of 710 per cent.
The Government said the scheme formed part of its wider attempt to reduce the cost of bus travel and encourage greater use of public transport. A £2 bus fare cap is due to begin in January 2027, while time restrictions on concessionary passes for disabled passengers are also being removed.