Families in the West Midlands are set to enjoy more affordable days out this summer as the government has introduced a free bus travel scheme for children. Running from 1 August until the end of the month, all children aged under 16 can travel free of charge on most local bus services across England. This initiative comes as part of the Great British Summer Savings scheme, designed to ease the financial pressure on families during the school holidays.
Alongside free bus travel, the scheme includes discounts on children’s meals at restaurants, reduced cinema ticket prices for children, and lower entrance fees at a variety of attractions such as adventure centres, theme parks, and soft play venues.
All National Express bus services in the West Midlands are included in the scheme, featuring some popular routes like the 11 service, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. This particular route is noted as the longest bus route in Europe, stretching 27 miles (43 km) and encircling the outer parts of Birmingham since 1926.
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A National Express spokesperson explained, “The 11 route links 15 commercial centres and passes key landmarks including Cadbury World in Bournville.”
Other points of interest along the route include Blakesley Hall, where visitors travelling by bus receive a 50% discount on entrance fees, Villa Park, and Sarehole Mill museum, which offers bus users a 50% reduction on tours. Sarehole Mill holds special significance as it is located near the childhood home of renowned author JRR Tolkien.
Additional family-friendly routes include the 45/47, which passes Cannon Hill Park, and the 23/24 to Woodgate Valley Country Park. The 11 and 11A buses also provide access to the Black Country Living Museum, which offers a 25% admission discount for bus passengers. Bus 229 from Bilston stops close to the museum as well.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander commented, “We’re giving families room to breathe from the cost of living squeeze. With free bus travel for 5-15 year olds and discounts on kids' meals at restaurants, cinema tickets, and theme parks, we’re helping people make the most of the time they have together during the school holidays. Not only are we lowering costs for the summer, the £2 bus fare cap will help all passengers get to where they need to for less.”
James Murray, Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General, added, “From soft play and theatres to fish and chip shops and cafes, England has thousands of world-class attractions and eateries that families shouldn’t have to miss out on this summer because of the cost-of-living squeeze. To provide families with some breathing space, getting the kids there by bus will be completely free from today for the rest of the month, and we’ve cut VAT on kids’ meals in restaurants and tickets to attractions, so this summer holiday is one to remember.”