All aboard! Children join MP to launch free summer bus travel

Children across the East of England will be able to travel by bus for free throughout August thanks to the Government’s Great British Summer Savings.

Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard MP Alex Mayer joined local children on board a bus brought to Rushmere Park Academy by Arriva to promote the free bus travel scheme delivered by the area's largest bus operator, and encourage families to make the most of the offer.

Great British Summer Savings gives all children aged five to fifteen free travel throughout August, helping families cut the cost of the summer holidays.

For a family with two children making one £3 bus journey each day, the offer could save up to £186 over the school holidays.

Ms Mayer heard from the children how they plan to use their free bus travel over the summer holidays.

Alex Mayer MP said: “The summer holidays are great but for families they can also be expensive. Free bus travel will help children get out and about, whether that’s visiting friends and family, heading into town, or exploring somewhere new. I also hope it encourages more young people to give the bus a try. Research suggests that children who grow up using buses are more likely to continue using them as adults, which is good for them, good for our communities and good for the environment.”

Toby France, commercial director of Arriva Midlands added: "We were delighted to welcome Alex Mayer MP, and children from Rushmere Park Academy, onboard one of our buses to mark the start of this scheme.

“Buses play such a big part in everyday life and this summer we want to make sure cost is one less thing for families to worry about.

“We're also continuing to invest in our Bedfordshire operations, because reliable, affordable local travel is something we're committed to for the long term."