Kids Go Free on the West’s Buses
By Community Correspondent
That’s summer sorted. Children and young people under the age of 16 are set to be able to travel for free on buses across our region during the school holidays, thanks to new investment proposed by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, in partnership with North Somerset Council.
Around 150,000 kids in North Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire aged from 5-15 years old could benefit from free bus travel this summer – just by hopping on board, with no bus pass or registration required.
Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, joined pupils from Perry Court E-ACT Academy and local authority leaders to announce the plans at Hengrove Play Park in Bristol on Monday 9 June.
Bath Bus Company, First Bus, Stagecoach, and the Big Lemon were also part of the landmark announcement, which featured one of the new zero-emission electric buses transforming bus passengers’ journeys in the West following the electrification of First Bus’ Weston bus depot.
These plans are hot-on-the-heels of last month’s extension of free bus travel – all-year-round – for care leavers across the West aged up to and including 25 years old.
It also follows news last week that the West of England is set to receive a record £752 million of transport funding for better buses, more trains, and mass transit, which was welcomed by local leaders across our region.
Families across the West can already look forward to dozens of free activities over the summer – with a list set to be compiled on the Travelwest website in due course, alongside handy journey planning information.
Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said:
“Our brilliant ‘kids go free’ offer is practical progress – supporting families, cutting costs, and giving children the freedom to explore. It’s more than free travel – it’s a ticket to opportunity and a greener future.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
“Local families will now have busloads of fun this summer. Free travel helps save money, supports greener travel, and makes public transport more accessible for young people.”
Raya, Head Girl at Perry Court E-ACT Academy, said:
“It’s brilliant! I can meet up with friends more easily and get ready for secondary school.”
Cyrus, Head Boy at Perry Court E-ACT Academy, said:
“My mum will love this – it saves money and means I can travel with my Grandad. It’s better for the environment too.”
Kate Marsh, Headteacher at Perry Court E-ACT Academy, said:
“This fantastic scheme opens up the city for our children, helping them enjoy new experiences and boost their wellbeing during the holidays.”
Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader of B&NES Council, said:
“This will ease pressure on families and encourage them to explore local attractions and green spaces across the region.”
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said:
“Transport costs can be a barrier. This initiative makes it easier for families to access events and opportunities this summer.”
Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said:
“We’re proud to support this. It helps young people stay connected and reduces car journeys, improving air quality.”
If you have a positive story or uplifting news to share, we’d love to hear from you!
Just email us at news@goodnewspost.co.uk.
Whether it's a local hero, an act of kindness, or a personal win, your story could help spread joy and improve someone’s mental health. Let’s make the world a little brighter, one good news story at a time.
And don’t forget—you can sign up for free to get the latest feel-good stories straight to your inbox!
