Children aged between five and 15 will be able to travel for free on participating local buses across England throughout August, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce.
The month-long initiative, running from August 1 to 31, is designed to help families manage rising living costs during the school holidays, while also encouraging greater use of public transport.
Children in England to be offered free bus trips this August
Under the scheme, eligible children will be able to take unlimited bus journeys without needing to register, making it easier for families to plan days out, visits, and summer activities without worrying about travel costs.
The Treasury estimates that a typical family with two children could save around £27 over the month, based on a weekly return journey costing £1.50 per fare.
Reeves said the move is part of a broader effort to support households amid ongoing economic pressures, including rising prices linked to global instability.
“My economic plan is about making the right choices to protect households and businesses,” she said. “This is about making sure children can still enjoy the little things this summer.”
1.4 million free journeys have already been recorded during school holidays
The policy builds on the success of a similar regional initiative in the West of England, where more than 1.4 million free journeys have already been recorded during school holidays.
Helen Godwin, Labour mayor of the West of England, welcomed the national rollout, calling it “a scheme people can see and feel making a difference”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the measure would “put money back into people’s pockets” while helping families cope with the cost of living.
Alongside the free travel scheme, the government is also planning to suspend tariffs on more than 100 everyday food items, including biscuits, chocolate, dried fruit and nuts, in a bid to reduce supermarket prices.
However, ministers have stopped short of forcing retailers to cap prices on essential goods such as milk, bread and eggs.
The idea of voluntary price controls has already faced criticism from parts of the retail sector, with Marks & Spencer chief executive Stuart Machin describing it as “completely preposterous”.
Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson said the government was working with industry to explore “what more can be done” to support consumers, while opposition figures have warned against heavy market intervention, arguing it could lead to supply issues.
The announcement comes alongside an extension of the 5p fuel duty cut until the end of the year, as ministers respond to rising fuel prices driven by global energy pressures.
With schools out and travel costs often adding up quickly, the free bus scheme is likely to be welcomed by families looking for affordable ways to keep children entertained over the summer holidays.