Summer days out with the family are set to become more affordable.
An announcement made on Monday (27 September) revealed that a number of operators throughout the Midlands, including services in Coventry, will allow youngsters between the ages of 5 and 15 to ride without charge throughout August.
A representative from Transport for West Midlands explained that during the month of August 2026, children and teenagers within this age group can use participating bus services at no cost. Families heading out for a day together, travelling into the city centre or visiting friends do not need to sign up or make reservations beforehand. Passengers should verify their operator is part of the scheme, then simply request complimentary travel from the driver upon boarding.
It is advisable to confirm which operators are taking part before beginning a journey.
The companies involved in the initiative include Arriva, Banga Buses, Carolean Coaches, Chaserider, Diamond, Kev’s Cars and Coaches, Landflight, National Express, Stagecoach, and Travel Express.
The concept forms part of the Government’s Summer Savings programme, which seeks to lighten the financial load for families during the school holiday period.
As well as complimentary bus travel, the initiative has reduced value added tax to 5 percent, which lowers the price of meals for children at restaurants, cinema and theatre tickets for young audiences, and all admission fees for venues such as soft play centres, theme parks, and museums.