In the summer of 2025, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA) launched the Kids Go Free initiative, using UK Government funding, providing free bus travel for children under 16 during the school summer holidays.
The trial was so successful that, in response to the research recommendations, Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, has confirmed today [15 May] the Kids Go Free scheme will be available for the next three years during summer, Christmas and Easter school holidays.
The Free Bus for Brighter Futures research project investigated how the Kids Go Free trial was experienced by children and families in Hartcliffe and Barton Hill. These two areas in Bristol have some of the poorest outcomes for social mobility for young people from less advantaged backgrounds in the UK.
The research project was carried out by the University’s Brigstow Institute, with partners Room 13 Hareclive, Barton Hill Activity Club, and in consultation with WECA.
Conducted between October and December 2025, the study combined surveys, creative workshops, and focus groups with children, young people, and parents in the two communities.
More than 600 people completed surveys, and 73 participated in focus groups or interviews. Participants included children and young people across all school year groups, as well as 51 parents. Informal conversations with community partners and 7 local bus drivers also helped contextualise the findings, and the evidence suggests that free bus travel had a significantly positive impact on children, young people and families.
The Kids Go Free offer was actively taken up by children and young people, who reported that they found it easy to use, and it was easier for them to do things they wanted to do because of it. Parents agreed that free bus travel increased children’s mobility and independence and relieved their financial burdens.
Compared to the average increase in bus use across the region of 32%, Hartcliffe saw a 130% increase in under-16s taking the bus over the school summer holidays thanks to the Kids Go Free scheme. Similarly, Lawrence Hill, which Barton Hill is part of, had a 56% increase in the summer.
The Kids Go Free scheme also played a significant role in supporting children’s and young people’s wellbeing, opportunities, and independence. Approximately three-quarters (73.3%) of the young people said that free bus travel made it easier for them to do the things they wanted to do, while 48 out of 51 (94.1%) parents agreed that free travel increased their children’s opportunities and independence level.
Children and young people used the Kids Go Free scheme to go to diverse destinations. Respondents described visiting parks, green spaces, shopping areas, and the city centre, as well as travelling beyond their immediate neighbourhoods, sometimes to places they had not visited before.
Over the Easter school holidays, the regional authority has confirmed that more than 310,000 free bus journeys took place – with 54% more children and young people travelling compared to the same period the year before.
The researchers concluded that repeating the Kids Go Free scheme during all school holidays would maximise its benefits for children and families. They also suggested regular implementation would support awareness, allow bus operators to plan more effectively, and ensure children can still rely on bus travel when they are not using school transport.
Professor Debbie Watson, Director of the Brigstow Institute and Professor of Child and Family Welfare at the University of Bristol, said: “This is a fantastic announcement by WECA. The benefits for children and families should not be underestimated. Making this a predictable offer in all school holidays means that all families can plan better to enjoy the opportunities across the region, which will enrich children’s and young people’s lives.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, added: “People of all ages across the West tell me how Kids Go Free has been a real success so far. I’m grateful to Room 13 Hareclive, Barton Hill Activity Club, and the University of Bristol’s Brigstow Institute for digging into more of the detail of the impact of our offer, and we will look closely at their recommendations.
“I’m delighted to say that Kids Go Free will be back for the summer, Christmas, and Easter school holidays for years to come. Families have already saved around £1.5 million thanks to Kids Go Free, with more children and young people travelling by bus than ever – particularly from areas where cost is usually a real barrier to bus travel.”
For further information about the Free Bus for Brighter Futures research project, visit: www.bristol.ac.uk/brigstow/free-bus
PolicyBristol research briefing
‘Free bus for brighter futures: children and young people’s experience of Bristol’s free summer bus scheme' by Professor Debbie Watson in PolicyBristol