Bus Fare Update: Cornwall Reinstates Child Monthly Pass at £65

Reinstating the Monthly Pass

Transport for Cornwall is set to reintroduce the monthly child bus pass following feedback from passengers. Starting on Sunday, 6th October, parents and guardians will once again be able to purchase the pass for £65. This price is expected to remain the same throughout the rest of the academic year, providing a more affordable option for children who rely on bus services to travel to school and college.

Impact of Government Funding

The return of this bus pass is part of ongoing adjustments under the Government’s bus fares pilot, which began in April 2022. Over the last two and a half years, more than 15 million bus journeys in Cornwall have benefited from the pilot’s subsidies, significantly reducing costs for passengers. Without this support, the price of tickets would have been much higher.

Why Was It Removed?

Although the decision to remove certain ticket options, including the child monthly pass, was based on low demand, the impact on families, particularly those whose children are not eligible for home-to-school transport, was acknowledged. With the reinstatement of this option, these students will have more accessible transport options moving forward.

Future of Bus Funding

As Transport for Cornwall continues discussions with the Government, future bus travel funding will depend on the upcoming Chancellor’s Autumn Statement later this month. In the meantime, passengers can still benefit from the national £2 bus fare for single journeys until the end of December.