Families in North East England will be able to enjoy free travel for kids on buses this summer, right through the school holidays.
Bus companies Arriva, Stagecoach and Go North East have got together with Nexus and local authorities to launch the special offer so families can make the most of summer.
It means an adult with a valid ticket or pass – including the English national concessionary travel card – can take up to three children aged 11 and under free with them on any journey within Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Durham.
Families can already take the kids for free on the Tyne and Wear Metro and Shields Ferry as a permanent price promise.
Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “Our bus network is a great way for people to travel sustainably – reducing carbon emissions and congestion on our region’s roads.
“I’m pleased that this offer will help local families who are already facing the harsh reality of the cost-of-living crisis. We know that children love catching the bus and I hope to see lots of smiling faces onboard throughout the school holidays.
“This offer is a result of the close partnership working between local authorities, Nexus and bus operators, and we hope to continue to bring positive improvements for passengers as we look to deliver the North East Bus Service Improvement Plan.”
Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East and chairman of the NTL joint ticketing board for transport operators in North East England said: “We want to bring families back to public transport this summer, and make it easier and cheaper to enjoy days out in the region at a time many people are struggling with the cost of living.
“North East England’s three big bus companies have come together with Nexus and local councils to create a simple, great value offer on all local public transport across Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.
“Take The Kids For Free is a fine example of the new ways we as operators in North East England are working closely in partnership with local authorities to increase passenger numbers improve bus services.”
Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director of Nexus, which runs Metro and the Shields Ferry, said: “Take The Kids For Free has proved really popular with families since we launched it this time last year on Metro and the Shields Ferry.
“Take The Kids For Free is a permanent price promise for Metro and the Shields Ferry, and I am delighted to see bus companies join us with a special offer for families this summer.”
The offer on buses means that any adult with a valid day or season ticket can take up to three children aged 11 and under with them for free between Saturday, 23 July, and Sunday, 4 September, 2022. Adults with a valid concessionary travel card (free bus pass) on grounds of age or disability can also take advantage of the offer without paying a penny.
The offer applies to all bus services operated by Arriva North East, Go North East and Stagecoach North East for journeys within Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Durham. It also applies to all bus routes provided by Nexus, Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council where the local authority determine the fares.
A full list of valid ticket and products can be found here https://www.nexus.org.uk/bus/take-kids-free
Take The Kids For Free was first launched by Nexus on Tyne and Wear Metro and the Shields Ferry in July 2021 and is now a permanent price promise for customers.
Bus companies made a matching offer during Easter 2022 and are now repeating that offer for the summer