Exact date free bus pass rule ends for over 14million people across England

MILLIONS of Brits have enjoyed the first weekend of free bus passes as the Government introduces plans to cut summer spending. However, those eligible should be aware that this limited time offer is set to end in a matter of weeks. Under-16s are eligible for free bus travel for the whole of August under a new scheme Credit: Alamy Children are entitled to free bus travel for the entirety of August, after the Government rolled out a new scheme on Saturday. For the whole month, under-16s will not have to pay for travel on the majority of local buses, totalling around 14million Brits. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Britain’s five main bus operators, Stagecoach, First Bus, Arriva, Go-Ahead, and National Express, are all taking part in the scheme. Some local councils and operators, however, may require proof of age, a local travel pass, and accompaniment of an adult to accept the deal. Introduced by Rachel Reeves earlier this year, the free bus travel hopes to relieve cost-of-living pressures on parents during the summer. Usually, a standard child fare is priced between £1 and £2, meaning families can save on travel costs throughout the school holidays. The deal is part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, which has cut VAT on a number of popular summertime activities. This includes discounts on children’s meals at restaurants, theatre and cinema tickets, theme parks and adventure centres. Most read in Money However, this deal is only available for a limited time, with free bus travel offered to under-16s until August 31, just before the schools go back. Children between five and 15 will be entitled to the scheme throughout the entirety of August, with under-fives offered free travel already. Comment now