Free Bus Passes for Kent Kids This Summer!
Attention Kent families! Every schoolchild in Years 6 to 13 can grab a free bus pass this summer. Travel around the county on Stagecoach, Arriva, and other KCC-subsidised bus services from 23 July to 31 August 2022 – all on the house!
How to Get Your Free Pass
- State school students should have received their Reconnect bus pass by the end of term.
- No pass yet? Digital passes go live from 20 July – grab yours online.
- Prefer paper? Printed bus passes will be available at local collection points starting 20 July.
- Not at a state school? Home-schooled or independent school kids aged 11-18 can still claim a free pass. Find out how here.
Family Passes Let Up to Four Travel Free
This summer, families can travel together with up to four free bus passes. One adult must travel with at least one child. Snag your digital or printed family pass from 20 July while stocks last.
Where Can You Travel?
The passes work across Kent but not in Medway, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, or London’s Transport zone. Use your pass as many times as you like between 23 July and 31 August. Just remember: no rides after 9pm!
Local Collection Points Across Kent
Pick up your physical pass at two spots in your district. Some key collection points include:
- Ashford: Ashford Gateway, Ashford Willow Centre
- Canterbury: Beaney Library, Canterbury Poppy Children’s Centre (Herne Bay)
- Dartford: Dartford Public Library, Brent Children’s Centre
- Dover: Discovery Centre, Buckland & Whitfield Children’s Centre
- Folkestone & Hythe: Folkestone Public Library, Youth Hub
- Gravesend: Gravesend Public Library, Northfleet Youth Hub
- Maidstone: History & Library Centre, Maidstone Infozone
- Sevenoaks: Kaleidoscope, Swanley Youth Hub
- Sittingbourne: Sittingbourne Public Library, Milton Court Centre
- Thanet: Gateway to Margate, Thanet Youth Hub
- Tonbridge: Tonbridge Public Library, Tonbridge & Malling Youth Hub
- Tunbridge Wells: Southborough Library, Tunbridge Wells Youth Hub
Official Words from KCC
“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 provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to get out and about and enjoy themselves as soon as their well-deserved summer vacation begins. I’d like to thank the county’s bus companies for generously supporting children and young people to Reconnect this summer.”
About Reconnect: Kent Children and Young People
This free bus pass scheme is part of Reconnect, a campaign running from March to August 2022 to help youngsters recover from COVID-19 disruptions. It encourages kids to rediscover activities and hobbies, catch up on learning, and stay active.
Key Terms You Need to Know
- Passes valid 23 July – 31 August only.
- Bus passes not valid after 9 pm.
- Passes valid for travel within Kent only, no cross-county trips allowed.
- Young Person’s passes: Non-transferable, only for kids attending or living in Kent.
- Family passes: For up to four people per pass (one adult with children or two adults with children). Must travel together.
- Family passes transferable only within the same household.
