Free Bus Passes for Kent Kids This Summer!
Attention parents and youngsters in Kent! Every schoolchild from Year 6 to Year 13 can grab a free bus pass to ride across the county all summer long. The pass works on Stagecoach, Arriva, and other Kent County Council-subsidised services from 23 July to 31 August 2022.
How to Get Your Free Pass
- By the end of term, students should receive their Reconnect bus pass through their state school or college.
- Missed out? Digital passes are available online from 20 July.
- Prefer paper? Printed passes can be picked up at local collection points starting 20 July (while stocks last).
Youngsters aged 11-18 not in state schools — including those in independent schools or home-schooled — are also eligible. Find out how here.
Families Can Travel Free Too
The free family bus pass lets up to four family members hop on free rides together, but you must have at least one adult and one child travelling at the same time.
- Family passes go live online and at collection points on 20 July.
- Travel is unlimited on eligible Kent routes between 23 July and 31 August.
Note: These passes cover Kent only – no travel allowed to Medway, East or West Sussex, Surrey, or London zones.
Kent Council’s Thanks and Programme Details
“Keeping children and young people busy and active during the school holidays benefits their minds as well as their bodies,” said Shellina Prendergast, KCC Cabinet Member for Education and Skills. “The free summer Young Person’s bus pass offers a brilliant chance for youngsters to explore Kent through the summer break. With loads of fun and free activities on offer, these passes make summer adventures easy for families.”
This initiative is part of Reconnect: Kent Children and Young People, a community-led drive to help kids catch up learning, revive old hobbies, and discover new interests after COVID disruptions. The scheme started in March and runs through August.
Where to Pick Up Your Pass
Each Kent district has two collection points for printed bus passes. Here are some key locations:
- Ashford: Ashford Gateway, Ashford Willow Centre, Brookfield Road, TN23 4EY
- Canterbury: Beaney Library, Canterbury & Canterbury Poppy Children’s Centre, Kings Road, Herne Bay CT6 5RG
- Dartford: Dartford Public Library & Brent Children’s Centre, 43-15 Overy Street, DA1 1AH
- Dover: Discovery Centre & St Nicholas Church, The Lines, CT16 2BN
- Folkestone & Hythe: Folkestone Public Library & Youth Hub, Dover Road CT20 1QF
- Gravesham: Gravesend Public Library & Northfleet Youth Hub, Hall Road DA11 8AJ
- Maidstone: Maidstone History and Library Centre & Infozone, 3 Palace Avenue ME15 6NF
- Sevenoaks: Kaleidoscope of Sevenoaks & Swanley Youth Hub, St Mary’s Road BR8 7BU
- Sittingbourne: Sittingbourne Public Library & Swale Milton Court Centre, Brewery Road ME10 2EE
- Thanet: Gateway to Margate & Thanet Youth Hub, Quarterdeck, Zion Place CT9 1RP
- Tonbridge: Tonbridge Public Library & Malling Youth Hub, Avebury Avenue TN9 1TG
- Tunbridge Wells: Southborough Library & Youth Hub, 39a Grove Hill Road TN1 1SD
Bus Pass Rules: What You Need to Know
Young Person’s Pass
- For youngsters aged 6 to 13 who live or go to school in Kent.
- Valid 23 July – 31 August 2022.
- No boarding buses after 9pm.
- Can only be used for travel within Kent.
- Cannot be transferred between users.
Family Bus Pass
- Open to all Kent residents.
- Valid 23 July – 31 August 2022.
- Allows up to four family members to travel together – one adult must be with a child.
- Passes can be shared between adults in the same household but not with other families.
- No boarding after 9pm.
Don’t miss out on this brilliant chance to travel for free and enjoy a summer of fun in Kent!
