LOCAL families are set to save millions of pounds on bus fares as a £1 child fare cap is extended until spring 2029.

The decision by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is part of a wider fares support package for bus passengers.

The £1 child fare cap has already saved families across the region about £1.1 million over the past year.

With the regional child fares freeze continuing until 2029, families are set to save a further £3.3 million.

Mayor Helen Godwin said: “People around the West are already benefitting from our £1 child fare cap, so parents and carers will be glad to hear that we have frozen child fares for the next three years.

“Local families are expected to save more than £4 million as a result by 2029, helping ease the cost of living.

“Our child fare cap is making a difference that people can see and feel, as part of region-wide efforts to help lift more children out of poverty.”

Free bus travel is being extended for care leavers up to the age of 25 years under a ‘Youth Guarantee’ free bus pass offer, and a diamond pass allows the disabled and pensioners to travel for free.