Free Travel for 16-18 Year Olds in August

This August, all 16, 17 and 18 year olds can travel free across all NCT bus routes, thanks to funding by Mayor Claire.

This scheme builds on the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme which provides free local bus journeys for children aged 5 to 15 in England throughout August, meaning all under 19s can enjoy free bus travel throughout the East Midlands this summer. Find out more about the 5 to 15 scheme here.

Between 1st to 31st August 2026 inclusive, the East Midlands Mayor is funding free bus travel for 16 to 18 year olds on bus routes across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, supporting older teenagers to reach work, education open days, training opportunities, social activities and days out by bus.

If you’re looking for suggestions on local attractions and things to do, check out our local guide of places easily accessible on the NCT bus network. 

Here’s what you need to know about the free bus travel offer:

Who is eligible?

If you are 16, 17 or 18, you can travel for free. 

Do I have to prove my age?

Yes. It is a condition of the scheme that you must prove your age to travel for free.

If you cannot prove your age, the driver will ask you to pay a fare.

The types of proof we will accept are driving licence, passport or any other valid ID under the PASS scheme that shows your date of birth and a photo.

We will be issuing a proof of age card from 1st August 2026 in the NCT Travel Centre at 28-30 Lister Gate, Nottingham, NG1 7DD. Please bring a passport sized photo with you and a document with a date of birth on for your child.

We will also accept any travel pass issued by other local bus operators that show you are 16, 17 or 18.

How do I travel for free?

There are three ways:

• NCTX Buses app – we’ve added a new product called 16-18 August Network Rider. For a one off in-app verification of £1, this ticket covers all NCT buses between 1st August and 31st August 2026 inclusive. Verifying through the app means you don’t have to carry ID with you every time you want to get on the bus. Download the app here.
• Easyrider Everyday Further – pop to our Travel Centre from 1st August 2026 with your proof of age and we’ll issue you a smart card which you then use to travel across the NCT network between 1st August and 31st August 2026 inclusive. Having a smart card means you don’t have to carry ID with you every time you want to get on the bus.
• On the bus - to qualify for free travel, you need to ask for an August 16-18 Free Single ticket when you get on the bus and show your valid photo ID. The driver will issue a ticket to each person, which is a requirement of the scheme. 

I already have a bus pass that covers August 2026, what happens to that travel?

The scheme has made no provision for people who have already paid for a bus pass that covers August 2026. 

You can apply for a refund on any days of travel that cover any date in August.  You must request this refund before Saturday 12th September 2026. Our standard 10% admin fee will be applied to the refund value.

This scheme does not affect Anyday or bundles of app tickets, which only count down when they are activated or used. If you have an Anyday or bundle ticket, do not use it during August 2026. The days will remain available for you to use from September 2026. 

Customers who have purchased a 1 year pass can apply for a refund for August 2026 only. 

You must request this refund before Saturday 12th September 2026. Our standard 10% admin fee is included in these refund values.

To apply for a refund:

• Easyrider smartcard - complete our online form and select August Free Travel Scheme as the reason. If you have an annual pass, enter 1st August 2026 for the question "I want my last day of travel to be". Your annual pass will still run to its existing expiry date, but this helps us process your refund. If you enter any other date, your pass may be refunded in full and the travel stopped.
• Mobile App - email us from the e-mail address that you use for your app account. In the email outline that you would like a refund for travel that covers August 2026. 

I normally buy a weekly or monthly pass, what should I do? 

If you normally buy a weekly or monthly pass, we recommend you don’t purchase a travel pass for August whilst the free travel scheme is running. You can buy a pass during August and then activate from September 2026.