Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of making bus travel free for under 16s in Devon during term time.

The Government recognises the importance of affordable and reliable bus services in helping children and young people access education and other opportunities.

Decisions on introducing local concessionary travel schemes are generally matters for local transport authorities, who are best placed to consider local transport needs and priorities.

The Government supports affordable bus travel through the Local Authority Bus Grant, which gives local transport authorities flexibility to introduce local fare initiatives and targeted support for children and young people.