Getting around can be expensive, but two local schemes make it much easier for families and young adults to travel by bus without worrying about the cost. These offers could help you reach our food bank locations, get to work or interviews, see your GP, or visit family. Here’s what you need to know.
Free Bus Travel for Kids This Summer
Children aged 15 and under can ride local buses for free during the summer holidays.
- Runs from 19 July to 5 September 2025
- Applies to all bus journeys starting in Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset
- No need to register or show a pass – just get on and go
- Works with most operators, including First Bus and Stagecoach
First Bus and Stagecoach, the scheme also applies to Bath Bus Company, Big Lemon, CT Coaches, WESTlink, and WESTlocal. Not all special services are included (for example, airport flyer and certain tour buses are excluded). The free travel only applies to journeys that start within the listed local authority areas (Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset), not every journey that simply passes through.
You can read more details, including which routes are covered, on the TravelWest website.
Free Year-Round Bus Travel for Care Leavers
If you’re a care leaver aged 18 to 25, you can travel for free on local buses all year.
- Available to care leavers living in Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset
- Saves you up to £1,050 a year on travel
- Apply online for a WESTpass to use on the buses
- Valid on most major bus companies
Like the summer scheme, the travel pass does not cover airport flyer services, coach/tour/airport buses, or some special event buses.
Care leavers must get a code from their pathway plan support worker at their local council before applying for a WESTpass online. Check eligibility and how to apply on Travelwest.
Being able to travel freely means you can reach the support you need, whenever you need it – and it puts some money back in your pocket too. If getting to a food bank feels hard, use these schemes to make your journey easier.
