Somerset kids to get free bus travel this August

By Laura Linham 10th Jul 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 4 hours ago

Children aged five to 15 in Somerset will be able to travel for free on participating local buses across England throughout August. Roads Minister Simon Lightwood visited Bath today, Thursday, 9 July, to launch the summer holiday measure alongside local leaders and bus companies.

The free travel will run from Saturday, 1 August, until Monday, 31 August. The government says child bus fares typically cost between £1 and £2, meaning the scheme is aimed at helping families cut the cost of days out during the school holidays.

The measure forms part of the government's Great British Summer Savings scheme, which is designed to make summer trips cheaper for households. Families are also being pointed towards discounts on children's meals, theatre and cinema tickets, and attractions including adventure centres, theme parks and soft play venues.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the scheme would help more people enjoy days out, from visiting the Roman Baths to heading to museums and theme parks. She said the government was cutting day-to-day costs through free child bus travel this summer and the £3 bus fare cap, which has been extended until March 2027.

The government said under-fives are already able to travel free across the main bus operators. It also said wider public transport support includes the first rail fare freeze in 30 years and £3 billion of investment to improve buses nationally.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said she was "so excited" that Kids Go Free was returning. She said the scheme had already helped families in the West explore the area while putting money back in parents' pockets, and welcomed the move to take it national for August.

VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes said free bus travel for children would help families explore England's attractions and destinations in a more affordable and environmentally friendly way. He said tourism and hospitality businesses would be pleased to welcome families over the summer.