Island families could save more than £204,000 on bus fares this August, according to new analysis from Island Labour.
Children aged 5-15 will be able to travel for free on participating local bus services across England throughout August, as part of Government action aimed at easing cost of living pressures.
Island Labour says that, based on 1 return trip per week per child at an average child fare of £1.50, families on the Isle of Wight could save a combined £204,458 over the month.
The free bus travel scheme will run alongside the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, which will see VAT temporarily reduced from 20% to 5% on eligible family activities between 25th June and 1st September 2026.
The scheme is set to apply to children’s meals in restaurants, children’s tickets for cinemas and theatres, and admission to attractions such as soft play centres, adventure centres and theme parks.
Publishing the analysis, Labour’s Steve Reading has said:
“We all want to enjoy some time with the family in the summer, and we all know that times are tough. That’s why the Labour Government is providing Great British Summer Savings on travel for kids, children’s meals, and tickets for cinemas, theatres and a whole range of days out over the coming months.
“And improving affordability will be a big help for the Island’s leisure and tourism-based businesses.
Article continues below this advertisement “These savings aren’t going to end the cost of living crisis on their own, but they are going to help thousands of children on the Isle of Wight. It’s a step in the right direction, and real help now when families need it.”
The Government says the measures are designed to help families enjoy days out for less while also supporting businesses that rely on summer footfall.
No reductions though for workers who use the bus to get to work. Typical of this liebour party. Two tier policing and now 2 tier travel. Get rid of heir starmer and his anti British scumbag politicians. (Liars)
don’t these politicians make you sick, “families travelling for free this summer” nothing is for free in this world, somebody ie the taxpayer is going to pay for it, cut the bloody tax and let us spend it on what we want to spend it on, I’m sick of subsidising everyone else,
This Government is not for the workers, they are for the
Shirkers, let’s face it they employ the most shirkers in the
country.
Same with Wightlink giving thousands of FREE
tickets to teenagers
Well I must say the way numpties sit on buses etc
I wouldn’t travel by bus if they paid me too!