Summer Adventure Awaits: What is the “Kids Go Free” Bus Scheme?
Free Travel for Under 16s: Eligibility and Key Dates
This August 2024, families across Kent can take advantage of the Kids Go Free bus travel scheme, allowing children aged 15 and under to travel for free on participating bus services throughout the county. Running from 1 August to 31 August 2024, this scheme is designed to make family travel more affordable during the summer holidays.
The scheme applies to all children who are under 16 years old on the date of travel. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult passenger. There is no separate ticket or pass required for the child; simply board with an adult ticket, and the child travels free.
Part of the Great British Summer Savings Initiative
This local initiative forms part of the wider Great British Summer Savings Scheme, a government-backed programme encouraging families to explore the UK affordably and sustainably during the school holidays. Kent County Council (KCC) has partnered with local operators to participate in this scheme to support families and local communities.
Your Practical Guide: How to Make the Most of Free Bus Travel
Getting Started: Essential Tips for Families
- Planning ahead: Check bus routes and timetables on the participating operators’ websites to plan your day trips smoothly.
- Bring proof of age: While not always required, carrying a valid proof of age for children, such as a bus pass or equivalent ID, can be helpful in case of queries.
- Adult ticket needed: Children travel free only when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Adults must purchase tickets as usual.
- Multiple children: Most operators allow more than one child per paying adult to travel free, but check individual operator policies for specifics.
Navigating Operator-Specific Information and Tickets
The free travel applies on services from several bus companies in Kent. Here is a quick summary of each:
- Arriva Kent: Applies to all Arriva services in Kent. No child ticket required, children travel free with an adult fare. Visit Arriva Kent Kids Go Free details.
- Stagecoach South East: Participating services include local routes throughout Kent. Children travel free, adults pay standard fare. See Stagecoach Kids Travel Offer for full info.
- Fastrack Kent: Free travel applies on Fastrack branded buses running between Dartford and Gravesend. Check Fastrack official page.
- Other Local Operators: NuVenture, Chalkwell, and GoAhead buses also participate. Visit their websites for details:
What About Adult Fares?
Adults are required to pay the usual fare for their journey. No special discounts or free travel are part of this scheme for accompanying adults. However, some operators may offer Family or Group tickets which could save money for families travelling together – it’s worth checking each operator’s site before travelling.
Discover Kent by Bus: Inspiring Family Days Out & Attractions
Kent offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions accessible by bus. Here are suggested destinations reachable via the participating bus operators to inspire your summer adventures.
Coastal Explorations: Beaches and Seaside Towns
- Whitstable – Known for its shingle beach, vibrant harbour, and fresh seafood, Whitstable is a delightful place for a family day at the coast.
- Margate – Famous for its sandy shores, Dreamland amusement park, and Turner Contemporary gallery, Margate offers fun for all ages.
- Ramsgate – This bustling seaside town has pleasant beaches and the historic Royal Harbour to explore.
Historic Journeys: Castles, Cathedrals, and Heritage Sites
- Canterbury Cathedral and City – Reachable by multiple bus routes, Canterbury’s rich history and stunning architecture provide a great educational day out.
- Leeds Castle – Though outside some regular bus routes, certain tour buses and shuttles can connect. Families should plan in advance to include this iconic spot.
- Dover Castle – Easily accessible via Stagecoach routes, Dover offers castles, museums, and stunning cliff-top views.
Nature and Parks: Green Spaces and Outdoor Fun
- Bedgebury Pinetum – Located near Goudhurst, accessible by bus, this arboretum offers walking, cycling trails, and a Go Ape treetop adventure.
- Brenchley Gardens and Local Parks – Various green spaces around Kent reachable by bus provide playgrounds and picnic areas.
Towns and Cities: Museums, Shops, and Events
- Tunbridge Wells – A vibrant town with museums, theatres, and shopping options served well by local bus routes.
- Maidstone – Kent’s county town with a wide selection of shops, a riverside park, and cultural venues.
Key Participating Bus Operators in Kent and Where to Find Details
- Arriva Kent: arrivabus.co.uk
- Stagecoach South East: stagecoachbus.com
- Fastrack Kent: fastrackkent.co.uk
- NuVenture: nuventurebus.com
- Chalkwell: chalkwellbus.co.uk
- GoAhead: go-ahead.com
The Bigger Picture: Why This Scheme Matters for Kent Families
Significant Savings for Holiday Budgets
Summer holidays can be expensive for families. This free travel scheme offers a way to reduce transport costs significantly, enabling more frequent day trips and adventures without straining budgets.
Boosting Local Tourism and Businesses
By encouraging families to use public transport to visit local attractions, the scheme supports Kent’s tourism sector and small businesses across towns and coastal areas during the busy summer period.
Encouraging Sustainable and Confident Public Transport Use
Getting families used to convenient, affordable bus travel helps build environmentally friendly travel habits, reducing car use and traffic congestion in Kent’s popular tourist areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Go Free Bus Travel
What age counts as a ‘child’ for this scheme?
Children aged 15 and under on the date of travel are eligible to travel free.
Do children need a special pass or ticket?
No separate ticket is required for children under 16. They must travel with a paying adult and may be asked for age verification if requested by the driver.
Does an adult need to accompany the child?
Yes, children must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult to travel free under this scheme.
Are there any restrictions on routes or times?
The scheme applies to all standard bus services operated by the participating companies during August 2024. Some specialist or contracted services may be excluded. Check with each operator for detailed terms.
How can I confirm if a specific bus route is participating?
Visit the relevant bus operator’s website linked above or contact their customer service to confirm whether specific routes participate in the scheme.
What if I have multiple children?
Typically, operators allow multiple children under 16 to travel free with each paying adult, but it is advisable to check individual operator policies.
Get Ready to Explore: Your August Adventure Starts Here!
With free bus travel for under 16s across Kent this August, families have an excellent opportunity to discover the county’s diverse attractions and enjoy memorable summer experiences without the usual travel costs. Use this guide to plan your journeys, select family-friendly destinations, and enjoy all Kent has to offer.
For more news and guides on things to do in Kent, explore our local attractions section.
Wishing you a joyful and budget-friendly summer break filled with new adventures!