Bolton Council confirmed free bus travel for kids in August

Bolton Council has confirmed that everyone aged between five and 15 can take advantage of unlimited free travel on Bee Network bus services during the month, with no registration required.

In a post on social media, the council said families could enjoy more affordable days out by simply asking the driver for a free ticket when boarding a bus.

The offer forms part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign, which is providing free bus travel for children aged five to 15 on participating local bus services across England throughout August.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has also announced a boost for 16-year-olds, who will be able to activate their Our Pass from August 1, a month earlier than usual.

The move means all young people under the age of 18 in Greater Manchester will be entitled to free bus travel during August.

Children under five already travel free on Bee Network buses all year round.

Fran Wilkinson, customer and growth director at TfGM, said: “We’re pleased to be taking part in the Great British Summer Savings scheme which will mean free bus travel on the Bee Network for everyone aged five to 15 in August.

“This will help make days out more affordable for families this summer.

“To complement this national scheme, we are allowing Our Pass to be activated one month early which means no young person in Greater Manchester will miss out.

“The Bee Network is all about making it easier and more affordable to get around Greater Manchester and this national scheme will help us do just that.”

The Our Pass scheme, launched in 2019, is currently used by more than 50,000 young people across Greater Manchester.

As well as free bus travel, members can access a range of discounts and offers, including half-price off-peak one-day and weekend tram tickets through the Bee Network app.

Anyone who was aged between 16 and 18 on August 31, 2026, and lives in Greater Manchester is eligible to apply for a digital Our Pass, subject to a one-off £10 administration fee.

TfGM said the free travel scheme could help families visit attractions and destinations across Greater Manchester during the summer holidays without worrying about transport costs.

Further information about Our Pass is available online, while people who need additional support can contact TfGM or visit a Bee Network travel and information office.