Families with children on free school meals can enjoy free bus travel across the county during the summer holidays.
Thanks to funding provided through the government’s National Bus Strategy and the co-operation of Kent’s local bus operators, eligible families can benefit from the scheme, titled Bus About Kent, between 23 July and 31 August.
Families of up to four can take advantage of the offer, as long as there is at least one adult in the party, and a maximum of two.
Families already in receipt of benefits-related free school meals will automatically receive an e-voucher that contains the digital bus pass via email from their child’s school before the end of term.
David Brazier, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We are pleased to be able to promote this offer to some of the county’s most hard-pressed families and thank the bus companies and their staff involved for their co-operation in implementing it.”
Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “Supporting Kent County Council with providing free bus travel to children on free school meals during the holidays is yet another important way we’re helping families in Kent save money through the cost of living increase and make the most of the fantastic days out and holiday opportunities Kent has to offer.
“People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we’re providing Kent County Council with over £37 million to boost its bus services.”
To check if you are eligible for free school meals use our eligibility checker on our website: Free school meals – Kent County Council
Families, with up to four people travelling each time, will be able to use it as many times as they like between 23 July and 31 August. Simply show it to the bus driver.
There are some restrictions on the use of this bus pass:
at least one child and one adult must travel together;
journeys cannot start after 8pm in the evening;
it is only for use by the family to whom it was allocated;
these passes are only valid for journeys in areas maintained by Kent County Council. The passes cannot be used to travel into or out of the county (for example on services that start or operate in Medway, East Sussex, West Sussex or the Transport for London area);
Medway is covered by a different local authority so residents in those areas should contact Medway Council for information about support for children and families.
The pass is valid in Kent on the following buses:
Autocar
Arriva
Chalkwell
Farleigh Coaches
Go Coach
Hams Travel
Kent Coach Tours
Metrobus
Nu-Venture
R&J Coaches
Redroute
Regent Coaches
Stagecoach
Starline Coaches.