The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA) has confirmed that the £1 child bus fare cap will remain in place until spring 2029, delivering continued financial relief for families across the region. This extension forms part of a broader package of support designed to make public transport more affordable and accessible.
Since the introduction of the £1 fare cap, families in the West have saved approximately £1.1 million in the past year alone. Additional benefits have come from the Kids Go Free scheme during summer and Christmas holidays, which launched in June 2025. The scheme has notably increased bus journeys among children from low-income areas, highlighting its positive impact on reducing transport barriers for disadvantaged communities.
Beyond child fares, the region has already saved another £800,000 on bus travel this year through various regional initiatives funded by the Department of Transport’s Bus Grant. WECA’s commitment ensures that child fares remain frozen at £1 for the next three years, effectively reducing costs by up to 50%. This is significant compared to national guidelines where child fares can be as high as half the adult fare—meaning children in other areas may pay up to £1.50 per journey under a £3 adult fare cap.
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In addition, the multi-operator fare cap will continue, alongside the extension of free bus travel for care leavers up to age 25 and the Youth Guarantee free bus pass. The Diamond Pass, providing free travel for pensionable age and disabled individuals, will also remain active.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, emphasized the importance of these measures: “Locking in the £1 child fare cap for the next three years will save local families over £4 million by 2029, helping to ease the pressure of the cost of living. This initiative isn’t just a financial saving; it’s a crucial step in reducing child poverty by improving access to essential journeys. Extending free travel for care leavers and Diamond Pass holders further supports vulnerable members of our community.”
Looking ahead, WECA will invite public input on its emerging Bus Plan, which aims to create a reliable and integrated bus network developed collaboratively with councils, operators, and communities. This initiative is part of a wider vision funded by a historic £752 million government investment secured last year, earmarked for upgrading transport infrastructure across the region.
The recently published Transport Vision outlines priorities such as affordable, dependable bus services with unified tickets and timetables, enhancements to regional rail, mass transit development, safer active travel, and better streets.
South Gloucestershire Council Leader Councillor Maggie Tyrrell highlighted the social benefits of affordable child travel: “Affordable and accessible bus travel helps young people gain independence, building confidence to navigate daily life. Early familiarity with public transport opens up opportunities for education, socializing, and employment without reliance on lifts, setting young people up for a lifetime of easier travel.”