North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has welcomed news that the Government has adopted the Kids Go Free initiative on buses this summer – two years after she made a deal with bus companies to see it provided every school holiday in North East England.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced free travel on buses for children this August as part of a package of interventions announced for hard up families called the Great British Summer Savings.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, said: “We launched Kids Go Free back in 2024 to make things more affordable during school holidays for families in North East England, so I’m pleased to see the Government adopt our initiative across England this August.
“We’ve seen first-hand the difference this has made over the last few years. Nothing is more precious than family time and in the North East parents can enjoy days out with the kids without worrying about the cost of travel – and that’s good news for local businesses and the North East’s holiday destinations – our amazing seaside towns, country villages and historic buildings.”
“It is half term next week and I know thousands of local families in the North East will already be thinking about where they can get to by public transport thanks to Kids Go Free.”
The North East Mayor’s Kids Go Free initiative allows a parent to take up to three children up to age 11 with them on the bus during every school holiday, through an agreement with bus companies in the region. The same Kids Go Free promise also applies at all times on the publicly-owned Tyne and Wear Metro network and Shields Ferry crossing on the River Tyne.
The national scheme announced by the Chancellor will see every child aged five to 15 in England travel free on participating local buses throughout August only.
Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander said: "Free bus travel for every child in August means parents can plan days out, visit loved ones and make the most of the holidays without the added financial pressure.
"In the North East, the Mayor’s kids go free scheme has been a real success story, helping families get out and about. That's exactly the kind of impact we want to deliver for families right across England this summer.”