Free kids' holiday bus travel extended for three years

Children will be able to travel for free on buses across the West of England during school holidays for the next three years, it has been confirmed.

Helen Godwin, mayor for the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), introduced the scheme for under 16s shortly after being elected a year ago. It has now been extended to cover the summer, Easter and Christmas holidays until 2029.

It comes as research suggests the offer is having the biggest impact on young people in most deprived areas of the region.

Samira Musse, a mum from Barton Hill, said: "Every child was just excited to ride the bus. It gives them that freedom, that confidence to go somewhere by themselves with their friends."

About 1.4 million free journeys took place in the first trial year of the scheme, costing Weca £1.4m.

Research from the University of Bristol suggests the scheme was used more in the most deprived parts of the region.

Average bus use increased by 32% during the scheme, this compares to a 56% rise in Lawrence Hill, and Hartcliffe saw a 130% spike, researchers found.

Musse, who is also a director of Barton Hill activity club, said she had heard stories of families using the scheme to visit new places.

"Someone was telling us they went four times in one summer to Weston, they've never been before because they can't afford it," she added.

"It's amazing - that opportunity for people to explore the city they live in with less cost."

The researchers recommended extending eligibility up to 18-year-olds, and extending it beyond the school holidays.

Neither of these ideas are currently being implemented because of the potential cost, though Godwin has previously indicated she would be in favour.

"It gets people out and about," said Godwin, arguing that areas such as Radstock, Midsomer Norton and Yate had all seen increased footfall when the scheme was in place.

Funding for the scheme over the next three years will come from a £42m bus grant, which has been given to the combined authority by government for the mayor to distribute how she likes.

The money will also be spent on discounts such as capping kids' fares at £1, free travel for care leavers, the Diamond pass for older and disabled bus users and to support bus services which are not commercially viable.

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