FREE BUS TRAVEL FOR UNDER 16s ACROSS THE ISLE OF WIGHT THIS AUGUST

Children under 16 will be able to travel on buses for free across the Isle of Wight throughout August, as part of a nationwide Government scheme designed to help families with the cost of living during the school summer holidays.

The initiative will run from 1st August until 31st August and will apply to participating local bus services across England, including those on the Isle of Wight.

With child bus fares typically costing between £1 and £2, the Government says families will be able to save money while making the most of the summer holidays, whether travelling to the Island’s beaches, attractions, parks or towns.

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The free travel scheme forms part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign, which aims to reduce the cost of family days out during August.

Roads Minister, Simon Lightwood, officially launched the initiative in Bath earlier this week, meeting with local leaders, parents, teachers and schoolchildren ahead of the scheme going live.

The announcement comes alongside a package of other summer offers, including discounts on children’s meals at participating restaurants, reduced-price cinema and theatre tickets, and savings at selected attractions across England.

Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander said:

“Great British Summer Savings means more people can be excited about getting out and about this summer, whether it’s seeing the Roman Baths, learning something new at the Science Museum, or falling asleep on the bus ride home after a day riding rollercoasters at Alton Towers.

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“I know that the cost of living is a concern for households across the UK, which is why we’re cutting the cost of the day-to-day, with free bus travel for children this summer and the £3 bus fare cap helping more families make the most of the small plans that make life enjoyable.”

The Government says the scheme is intended to encourage families to explore more of their local area and beyond while reducing travel costs during the school holidays.

The announcement follows confirmation that the £3 adult single bus fare cap has been extended until March 2027. Ministers say this, alongside a £3 billion investment in bus services across England and a rail fare freeze announced earlier this year, forms part of wider efforts to make public transport more affordable and accessible.