Free bus travel for youngsters this Easter in Leicestershire

Under 16s need to show proof of age when boarding buses travelling throughout the county. 

Children and young people across Leicestershire can take advantage of free bus travel this Easter.

The offer can be used on single fares and returns when boarding the bus from 9.30 am to 11 pm on Monday-Friday, and all day at weekends and bank holidays from Saturday 23 March to Sunday 7 April.

Under 16s will need to show proof of age when boarding buses travelling throughout the county. 

Operators involved include Arriva, Centrebus, Diamond Bus East Midlands, First, Kinchbus, Nottingham City Transport and Stagecoach. The age range eligible to travel for free is dependent on the bus operator, and travellers are encouraged to check on bus operator websites for information on specific age restrictions and journeys before travelling.

Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Improving access to travel opens up lots of opportunities for Leicestershire’s young people. Youngsters can get out exploring in their community and, on top of that, they are choosing a sustainable way to travel - It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

 ”We also hope that by showing young people how accessible and easy it can be to hop on a bus, it will inspire them to choose public transport in the future.”

The free child and youth bus fares initiative is being delivered on behalf of the Leicestershire Enhanced Bus Partnership which is a collaboration between the county council and the bus operators, funded by the Department of Transport’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).