Families in Cheshire West and Chester will be able to make unlimited journeys on participating local buses for free during August as part of the national Summer Bus Fare Offer backed by the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme.
Who is eligible and what services are included
The concession applies to children aged five to 15. There is no registration process or charge—eligible children can simply board participating services and travel without paying fares for the month of August 2026.
Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed that its Park & Ride services will be included, and that the borough’s iTravel on‑demand rural routes will also take part in the offer. The council is using funding from its Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) to underwrite free travel on its Park & Ride network for eligible children.
“We’re delighted to be supporting this fantastic offer, which will help families make the most of the summer holidays without worrying about travel costs,”
The council’s deputy leader and Cabinet member for Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore, said the scheme will open up more opportunities for families to visit attractions, towns and villages across the borough and encouraged people to use buses during the school holidays.
Practical implications for families
The initiative is intended to reduce the cost of holiday travel for families and to encourage shifts towards more sustainable journeys. By promoting bus travel, the scheme aims to ease congestion and cut emissions from car trips during the busy summer period. The national Government has committed more than £100 million to deliver the Summer Bus Fare Offer across the country.
- Who: Children aged 5–15 (inclusive).
- When: All of August 2026.
- Where: Participating local bus services in Cheshire West and Chester, including Park & Ride and iTravel routes.
- Cost: No registration; no fare to pay for eligible children.
Questions for travellers and local providers
Parents should check whether specific operators on the routes they intend to use are participating, particularly for journeys that cross council boundaries. While the council has confirmed inclusion of its own Park & Ride and iTravel services, private operators may have differing arrangements; passengers are advised to look for posters on buses or guidance on operator websites before travelling.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age range | 5–15 years |
| Duration | 1–31 August 2026 |
| Included local services | Participating buses, Council Park & Ride, iTravel |
The council has emphasised the dual aims of the scheme: immediate financial relief for families during the school holidays and the longer‑term promotion of public transport as a greener alternative to private cars. Travellers should plan ahead and confirm service participation where necessary to avoid disruption.
Further details are expected to be available from the council and local bus operators as August approaches.
