THE first week of the hugely popular Kids Go Free scheme in the West of England this summer saw more than 156,000 free bus journeys taken by children.

The figures mark an early increase in under-16s using the bus compared to when the scheme first began in 2025.

Between Saturday, July 18 and Friday, July 24, there were 156,473 free single journeys taken by children in the region, compared to 116,838 in the first week of the scheme in 2025 and 100,748 from the same period in 2024, before the scheme was introduced.

The week also saw more free trips than any week during Kids Go Free in 2025, smashing the previous record (135,085).

More than 150,000 children aged 5-15 years old are eligible to take part across the region, with young people able to hop on the bus for free until Sunday 6 September without needing to register.

Since Kids Go Free launched in summer 2025, it has saved families across the West of England more than £1.5 million and been so successful that the Government announced £100 million of investment for the scheme to be rolled out nationally throughout August.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “It is fantastic to see more young people than ever before making the most of free bus travel across the West.

"We know what a massive impact Kids Go Free had when we first introduced it last year, with families saving money and kids getting the chance to explore parts of our region they had never been able to visit before.

“Children throughout the whole country are now enjoying free bus travel in August thanks to the success of Kids Go Free in the West Country.

“It was wonderful to welcome the Prime Minister to Bath recently, and for him to meet some of the children and campaigners from our region who have made the case for free bus travel for young people over the years.”

Previous data showed the biggest increase in bus travel was amongst communities with lower incomes, with journeys rising by an average of 98 percent in areas where family incomes are among the lowest 10 percent nationally.

Simon Lightwood, Local Transport Minister, said: “Recently it’s been too hard for families to enjoy their time together as they face persistent cost of living pressures.

“Often those ‘nice to have’ trips in the summer get cancelled so families can make ends meet.

“We are taking the action so families can enjoy the days out they deserve for less, giving them room to breathe.

“Children aged 5-15 can travel on participating local buses in England for free throughout August as part of our Great British Summer Savings, which is giving money off attractions and restaurants as well as cheaper train fares.

“We want everyone to enjoy their summer holidays and by taking this action, we hope no one misses out on the small plans that make life more fun with loved ones.”