Children and teenagers across the West of England, including Gloucestershire, can travel on many local buses at no cost for most of the summer holidays as part of a national Kids Go Free initiative.
What the scheme covers
The offer applies to those aged 5 to 15, who may be able to board most services without paying during August. In the West of England the concession runs a little longer than the national month-long arrangement and extends until 6 September.
Operators taking part locally include major providers such as Stagecoach, First Bus and community services like WESTlink in the Bristol area, and many routes through Gloucestershire will be included.
| Age | Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5–15 | Free | May be asked for proof of age; 11–15s may travel unaccompanied with a ticket from the driver |
| 16–18 | Standard child fare | Not included in the free travel scheme |
Rules families should note
- Children aged 11 to 15 are permitted to travel on their own. They should tell the driver their destination and will be issued a free ticket.
- Those aged under 11 must be accompanied by an adult when using the free travel offer.
- Bus companies may ask for proof of age to confirm eligibility; parents should carry appropriate ID for their children.
Beyond immediate holiday convenience, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has secured funding to continue offering free bus travel for children during the main school breaks — summer, Easter and Christmas — for the next three years. That means similar schemes will be in place until 2029, subject to the arrangements being maintained by local transport bodies and operators.
Where this could make a difference locally
The concession is designed to help families manage costs during the school holidays and to encourage young people to use public transport. In practical terms it should make it easier for parents to plan days out to popular local destinations and events without calculating fares for younger children.
In Bristol, for example, participating services include Park and Ride routes and buses that serve major events. In Gloucestershire, parents can check with local operators and timetables to see which routes are included and whether any community-run services are participating on specific days.
For up-to-date details, routes and any operator-specific rules, check the websites or social channels of local bus companies and the West of England Combined Authority before travelling.
