Families in Worcestershire will be able to cut the cost of school-holiday travel this summer after the county council confirmed that children aged 15 and under can travel for free on participating bus services for the full month of August.
What the scheme covers
The initiative runs from 1 August to 31 August 2026 and is funded by the Department for Transport as part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings programme. It is designed to make it easier and cheaper for youngsters to enjoy days out, visit family and friends, and use local facilities during the school break.
Worcestershire on Demand — the county’s flexible app-bookable bus service — is included in the scheme, meaning children and young people can use the on-demand service free throughout August.
How to access the free travel
Passengers should note that participation is voluntary for operators. The council advises families to check with individual bus companies before travelling. For Worcestershire on Demand, young passengers aged 11 to 15 travelling without an adult are asked to enable the concession via the app by selecting the concessions menu and switching on the 'Under 16 Free Travel Offer (August 26)' option.
- Eligibility: children aged 15 and under
- Dates: 1–31 August 2026
- Included services: participating local bus operators and Worcestershire on Demand
- Action required: check individual operators; Worcestershire on Demand users aged 11–15 must enable the concession in the app
Practical information at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme funder | Department for Transport (Great British Summer Savings) |
| Effective dates | 1 August – 31 August 2026 |
| Eligible age | 15 and under |
| On-demand service | Worcestershire on Demand included; app concession must be enabled for 11–15s |
The council’s travel pages list participating operators and further details. More information on the national scheme is available via the Great British Summer Savings website. Residents are encouraged to plan journeys in advance and to check specific bus company guidance on routes and times, as operators choose whether to take part in the scheme.
For many families the offer should reduce barriers to local trips and leisure activities over the school holidays, but the voluntary nature of operator participation means parents should not assume every service will be free. Confirming which buses are taking part before setting out will avoid disappointment and extra expense.
