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The Government has made a major change to bus travel affecting families throughout the month of August. First announced over two months ago by the former Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, the new measure will allow under-16s to use local buses for free for the entire month of August.

Children between the ages of five and 15 will benefit from the government's Great British Summer Savings scheme. The change aims to help families enjoy days out for less over the school holidays.

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Child fares typically cost between £1 and £2, meaning families will be able to save on the cost of travel for a total of 31 days. While adults don't qualify, single bus fares in England are currently capped at a maximum of £3.

Families will be able to save on thousands of routes across England on operators such as First Bus, Stagecoach and Go-Ahead. The full list of bus routes and operators can be found here.

Speaking in the House of Commons last week, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Simon Lightwood, confirmed the plans will go ahead from this weekend.

"The Government know how important affordable bus travel is for helping children and young people to access opportunities," he said.

"This will help families to get out and about for less during the summer holidays. It builds on local initiatives from Labour Mayors in the west and north-east of England that allow children to travel by bus for free."

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said: "We’re giving families room to breathe from the cost-of-living squeeze. With free bus travel for 5 to 15-year olds and discounts on kids’ meals at restaurants, cinema tickets and theme parks, we’re helping people make the most of the time they have together for the school holidays.

"Not only are we lowering costs for the summer, the £2 bus fare cap will help all passengers get to where they need to for less."

James Murray, Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General, said: "From soft play and theatres to fish and chip shops and cafes, England has thousands of world-class attractions and eateries that families shouldn’t have to miss out on this summer because of the cost-of-living squeeze.

"To provide families with some breathing space, getting the kids there by bus will be completely free from today for the rest of the month, and we’ve cut VAT on kids’ meals in restaurants and tickets to attractions, so this summer holiday is one to remember."