Kids Go Free bus scheme set to continue across the West
Free travel initiatives for children and care leavers will be reviewed by council leaders
Bus fare schemes such as Kids Go Free, a child fare cap, and free travel for care leavers until they turn 25 could continue across Bristol and the wider region under proposals set to be reviewed at the end of the month.
The plans will be considered by the Mayor of the West of England and regional council leaders at a meeting on 30th January. The proposals follow the success of Kids Go Free over Christmas, which saw children’s bus usage increase by more than 50% compared to the previous year.
The continuation of these fare offers comes as £42.4 million in funding has been made available through a three-year grant from the Department for Transport.
Possible bus network changes
Regional authorities are working on several longer-term changes to the bus network. A public consultation on a new Bus Plan is expected later this year to gain feedback from local people about service improvements.
The trial of WESTlocal community-led bus services, which connects areas such as Yate and Keynsham via demand-responsive routes, will be extended by four months until July to allow more time for its performance to be assessed.
Potential changes could include expanding services like the 768 route south of Bath, which offers both timetabled and responsive transport options. There is also an ongoing evaluation of different reform models, such as potential franchising.
“We need a network residents can rely on”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said improvements already made this year are a good foundation to build on.
“Kids Go Free has already seen 1.1 million free bus journeys for under-16s over the summer and Christmas school holidays," Godwin said. "These proposals help us continue to build momentum for a bus network residents can rely on."
Councillor Hugh Malyan from North Somerset Council said: “While the funding broadly matches what we’ve had before, meaning there isn’t additional spending power, it does provide certainty for planning how we use resources at a time of rising costs for bus services.”
Bristol City Council Leader Councillor Tony Dyer said: “It is essential to continue investment and initiatives like Kids Go Free. These measures are making a real difference for our communities, and it’s exciting to see plans for further funding being discussed.”
Councils and bus operators will work together on plans to ensure services meet needs across the region, following feedback from consultations later this year.