Free bus travel for children this August

4 August 2026

Children and young people across Cheshire East will be able to travel by bus for free throughout August, thanks to a national initiative helping families save money and enjoy summer days out during the school holidays.

The new scheme, funded by the Department for Transport, will allow children aged five to 15 to travel free of charge on participating local bus services in England between 1 and 31 August 2026.

The initiative is part of the government's wider Great British Summer Savings programme and is designed to help families with the cost of living during the summer break.

The scheme will make it easier for young people and families across Cheshire East to enjoy summer days out by bus, whether that's parks and visitor attractions, exploring our town centres and independent shops, going for a meal, to the theatre or cinema, or meeting friends and family.

Councillor Mark Goldsmith, Cheshire East Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "This is excellent news for families across Cheshire East and will help make the summer holidays more affordable for many households.

"Free bus travel gives children and young people greater independence while helping families access the wide range of attractions, activities and events available across our borough and beyond.

"The scheme supports Cheshire East Council's ambitions to improve access to public transport, reduce car dependency and encourage more people to try bus travel. 

“It also complements our ongoing investment in the bus network through the Bus Service Improvement Plan, which continues to make bus travel more accessible and attractive across Cheshire East.

“With petrol prices on the rise again, there has never been a better opportunity to leave your car at home and take the bus instead.” 

Find out more about how you could benefit from Great British Summer Savings