Mayor welcomes government Kids Go Free travel announcement that mirrors North East initiative

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has welcomed news the government has adopted the Kids Go Free initiative on buses this summer.

Her endorsement comes two years after McGuinness made a deal with bus companies to see it provided every school holiday in North East England.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced free travel on buses for children this August.

McGuinness, said: “In the North East parents can enjoy days out with the kids without worrying about the cost of travel – and that’s good news for local businesses and the North East’s holiday destinations.

“It is half term next week and I know thousands in the North East will already be thinking about where they can get to by public transport thanks to Kids Go Free.”

The North East Mayor’s Kids Go Free initiative allows a parent to take up to three children up to age 11 with them on the bus, metro and ferry during every school holiday.

The national scheme announced by the Chancellor will see every child aged five to 15 in England travel free on participating local buses throughout August only.