To: Kent County Council
FREE SUMMER HOLIDAY BUS TRAVEL FOR KIDS!
All school-aged children living in Kent should be entitled to free bus travel, just as their peers in London are.
Why is this important?
Providing free bus travel would help ease the financial burden on families during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, making it more affordable for parents to take their children out during weekends and school holidays.
Free bus travel would also encourage greater independence for young people, improve access to sports, libraries, and community activities, reduce social isolation, and promote the use of public transport from an early age. Investing in this initiative would support families, strengthen local communities, and ensure that children across Kent have the same opportunities and benefits as those living in London.
I regularly see parents trying to take their children out on the bus during the school holidays, only to be told they must pay a fare for them. Today, I witnessed a particularly upsetting situation. A mother and her son had been waiting at the bus stop, and after a delayed bus finally arrived, the driver informed her that she would have to pay for her son's journey.
Free bus travel would also encourage greater independence for young people, improve access to sports, libraries, and community activities, reduce social isolation, and promote the use of public transport from an early age. Investing in this initiative would support families, strengthen local communities, and ensure that children across Kent have the same opportunities and benefits as those living in London.
I regularly see parents trying to take their children out on the bus during the school holidays, only to be told they must pay a fare for them. Today, I witnessed a particularly upsetting situation. A mother and her son had been waiting at the bus stop, and after a delayed bus finally arrived, the driver informed her that she would have to pay for her son's journey.
The mother quietly explained that she simply couldn't afford the extra cost. With no alternative, she had to get off the bus with her son. It was heartbreaking to see how disappointed and anxious the young boy became, knowing that their day out had been cut short before it had even begun.
No family should have to experience this during the school holidays. At a time when many households are already struggling with the rising cost of living, free bus travel for school-aged children in Kent would help families access parks, libraries, community activities, and other essential services without worrying about transport costs. Our children deserve the opportunity to enjoy their summer break, regardless of their family's financial circumstances. It's time for something to be done.
