Free summer travel for thousands of children

TENS of thousands of children in the North East will travel for free this summer as the Kids Go Free initiative returns on public transport for the school holidays.

- NICOLE GOODWIN

North East mayor Kim McGuinness has brought together bus operators under the regionwide scheme and met with local primary school children at the Auckland Project in Bishop Auckland to officially launch this summer's campaign.

The scheme will run across bus services in Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Northumberland from July 19 until August 31.

This means up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free with every fare-paying adult or concessionary pass holder - making getting around during the summer holidays far cheaper for families across the region.

Metro and Shields Ferry travel is free for children to travel with a paying adult all year round so public transport is a great choice for families to explore this summer.