TSSA welcomes as ‘first step’ government assistance on transport and cost of living 

Labour affiliated transport union TSSA has welcomed as an ‘important first step’ plans by the government which will see free bus travel for under-16s in England across August.  

This was part a series of measures outlined by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and termed ‘Great British Summer Savings’, which also include a temporary reduction in VAT across Scotland, England and Wales from June to September.  

In April TSSA called on Ministers to tackle the cost of living crisis by making public transport free at the point of use for a year. 

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said: “It’s good to see the government taking this important first step by providing free bus travel for young people for the summer months, along with other assistance.  

“We have been clear that action needed to be taken quickly to help the many people who are struggling simply to pay for the basics in life.  

“Undoubtedly measures like those which have been announced can make a real difference and this is what a Labour government should be doing.  

"However, the Chancellor should now look at extending support as part of a wider package of help, well beyond the summer months. Not only would doing so assist those most in need it will help the wider economy.”