Free Child bus travel August 2026
The UK Government has announced that all children aged 5 to 15 will be able to travel free on participating local bus services throughout August 2026 as part of a summer holiday cost of living support scheme.
Although participation in the scheme is voluntary, we are delighted to confirm that all Gloucestershire bus operators, with the exception of one, have signed up to take part. We also welcome the Department for Transport's recent decision to include our Robin Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) services within the offer.
What services are included?
The scheme applies to public local bus services operating in Gloucestershire.
Children aged 5 to 15 can simply board and travel as normal. No permit, pass or identification is required, and no fare will be charged.
What services are not included?
The offer does not apply to:
- Coach services
- Rail replacement buses and coaches
- Private or closed-door services
- Specific Community Transport services
Non-participating services
The following services are not currently participating in the scheme:
- 72 Chepstow - Lydney - Cinderford - Mitcheldean
- C4 Chepstow - Sedbury - Beachley
We encourage families to make the most of this fantastic opportunity to explore Gloucestershire and the surrounding area by bus during the summer holidays.
For further information on the Government's announcement, visit the GOV.UK website:
School's Out: Free Bus Travel for Kids Set to Launch in Summer Holiday Cost of Living Boost