East Midlands Mayor funds free bus travel for 16 to 18-year-olds in August
Initiative complements national scheme to ease transport costs for families
Mayor Claire Ward of the East Midlands has announced a funding initiative to provide free bus travel for teenagers aged 16 to 18 throughout the region during August 2026.
Building on the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme for children aged 5 to 15, the announcement ensures all young people under 19 can enjoy free bus travel across the East Midlands.
This initiative forms part of Mayor Ward's commitment to making transport more accessible and affordable, especially for families facing budget pressures. It also supports older teenagers accessing college open days, apprenticeships, summer jobs, and social activities without transport costs becoming a barrier.
Mayor Claire Ward emphasized the importance of opportunity and connection over financial strain:
"I know how tough it is for that age group. If they're lucky enough to have some work during the holidays, they'll get minimum wage and sometimes they lose so much of that just travelling to and from work if they need to get a bus. It's really tough for young people during the school holidays. So if we can make it a little bit easier for them so that they can explore the region, hang out with their friends and do so by not having to pay for that bus travel."
Young people aged 16 to 18 will require approved proof of age for free travel, obtainable through participating operators.
The free bus travel offer runs alongside broader national transport savings, including discounted rail fares, offering families additional ways to save on summer outings.
The announcement follows the Government's confirmation of a £2 cap on single bus fares in England outside London starting January 2027, reflecting a focus on making transport more affordable and accessible.
These measures collectively aim to ensure that no young person misses out on important opportunities due to transportation costs.