Children travel free on Kent buses throughout August 2026

Six bus operators — Fastrack, Arriva, Stagecoach, NuVenture, Chalkwell and GoAhead — are confirmed as taking part in Kent, meaning free travel is available across a wide stretch of the county’s local network for the whole of August. Families are advised to check each operator’s website for service-specific conditions and details.

The scheme runs across England and is funded by central government, with Kent County Council throwing its weight behind it. Spencer Dixon, KCC’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We’re pleased to support this Government-funded initiative, which gives children and young people aged 15 and under the opportunity to travel by bus for free throughout August. As well as helping families save money during the school holidays, free bus travel makes it easier for young people to access activities, attractions and days out across Kent. It’s a great way to encourage more people to use public transport, helping build confidence in bus travel while supporting more sustainable journeys across the county.”

For Kent families the practical arithmetic is simple — a day trip to the coast or a journey across town costs nothing in bus fares for children aged 15 and under this August. And with six operators on board, the coverage is broad rather than piecemeal.

KCC also sees it as a longer-term nudge. The theory being that a month of free travel builds habits that outlast the summer. Whether that sticks is another matter, but the immediate saving for households is real enough.

Key information

• Free bus travel for children aged 15 and under runs from 1 August to 31 August 2026
• Participating operators in Kent include Fastrack, Arriva, Stagecoach, NuVenture, Chalkwell and GoAhead
• Families should check each operator’s website directly for service-specific conditions and details
• Further information is available through the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme pages