Three North East operators along with the region’s mayor have launched a region-wide Kids Go Free offer during the school holidays for up to three children when travelling with an adult with a valid ticket or concessionary pass holder during school holidays over the next year.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “I promised in my manifesto to launch a universal Kids Go Free scheme on buses and Metro within my first year and I’m pleased to be able to deliver this for local families throughout the school holidays. I believe that everyone should have access to affordable, sustainable public transport and Kids Go Free is a great way to help families enjoy their holidays together and of course our amazing region, without the worry of extra transport costs.
“Kids Go Free is great news for all but for those on low incomes, I hope this really helps to lighten the load. This is just the start of my plans to improve public transport for everyone across the North East.”
The promotion will run across the majority of North East bus services including those operated by Arriva, Go North East and Stagecoach from Saturday 20 July until Sunday 1 September for the summer holidays.
Ben Maxfield, Chair of local operators’ association NEBus, said: “Bus operators across the region have answered the Mayor’s call to launch a new region-wide Kids Go Free offer which is great news for local communities. Public transport is an affordable way to travel across the North East and enjoy our coasts, countryside and everything in between. I hope passengers will take the opportunity to leave their cars at home and try hopping on board this summer.”
