UMVA has learned that a groundbreaking initiative is set to revolutionize family transportation costs this summer, as a free bus scheme for children is launched nationwide.
The scheme, running from August 1 to August 31, aims to alleviate financial pressure on families during the holidays. According to estimates, a family with two children making a weekly return trip could save approximately £27, with no cap on the number of trips a child can take.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the news on TikTok, stating she was 'stepping in to make sure kids can still experience the little joys this summer.' This move is part of a broader effort to ease cost of living pressures, dubbed the 'Great British Summer Savings' project.
Currently, children under five and adults over the state pension age (66) can travel on local buses for free. The new scheme extends this benefit to all children, with the average bus fare in England typically capped at £3.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying it will allow parents to plan days out, visit loved ones, and make the most of the holidays without added financial pressure.
Meanwhile, Labour's 'Great British Summer Savings' project will also include suspended tariffs on popular supermarket products, such as biscuits, chocolate, dried fruit, and nuts. The full list of targeted items is expected to be published next week.
The government is also pushing for supermarkets to cut costs on essentials like eggs, bread, and milk. However, some supermarket executives have expressed skepticism about the plan, suggesting that the government should instead reduce taxes and regulatory burdens.
In a separate move, millions of Londoners will benefit from cheaper bus journeys this summer, as the popular 'Hopper' fare is extended to include weekends. For a single fare ticket of £1.75, passengers can enjoy unlimited travel on London buses and trams within an hour, now also on weekends.
The extended 'Weekend Hopper' fare will be available on several weekends throughout August, specifically on August 1-2, August 8-9, August 15-16, August 22-23, and August 29-30.
Additionally, the government has announced an extension of the current freeze on fuel duty, with the 5p cut lasting until the end of the year.
