Free bus pass rule comes to an end for over 14million people across England TODAY

A TRANSPORT rule that allowed more than 14million people to travel across England on buses for free ends today. It was introduced to encourage more people to get outside during the summer. The move was part of the government’s Great British Summer Savings Scheme Credit: Alexander Spatari From the start of August, children across England were able to travel on local buses for free as part of the new initiative. The move was part of the government’s Great British Summer Savings Scheme. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! In London, children under the age of 16 can already travel for free. However, outside of the capital, fees may vary, typically costing between £1 and £2. The free bus pass rule was designed to give the public more “breathing room” from rising prices. In launching the scheme, Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, said: “Great British Summer Savings means more people can be excited about getting out and about this summer, whether it’s seeing the Roman Baths, learning something new at the Science Museum, or falling asleep on the bus ride home after a day riding rollercoasters at Alton Towers.” Other transport measures being introduced include a £2 bus fare cap, starting next year. Brits will soon pay a maximum of £2 for their single bus journey as part of the huge policy change in England. Most read in Money The cap was first brought in nationally at £2 by the Tory government in 2023 but was then raised to £3 in 2024. But come January 1 2027 it will be lowered again by £1, thanks to a policy change announced by new PM Andy Burnham. It comes as Brits battle higher prices, with the conflict in the Middle East continuing to disrupt wholesale energy prices. Comment now