Regional rail usage figures published as First Bus tightens child free travel rules and plans Glasgow night diversions

The regulator said these statistics will be incorporated into its Estimates of station usage statistics from the next publication onwards [1].

On the same day, First Bus said children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult from 6:00pm on 21 August 2026 to travel on its services operating to and from Hanley Bus Station in Stoke-on-Trent [2]. The time restriction applies while the Kids Go Free travel scheme continues in England throughout August, and was introduced after discussions with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police and approved by the Department for Transport following incidents of anti-social behaviour at the bus station and on board services [2]. First Bus said 32 services are covered, the limit will remain until further notice, and drivers can still use discretion to provide free travel for unaccompanied children who are vulnerable or for safety reasons [2].

In a separate update on 21 August 2026, First Bus outlined night-time diversions for its X3, X25, X25A, X85 and X87 services in Glasgow from 23 to 26 August 2026 because the M80 junction 1 to M8 junction 13 westbound carriageway will be closed between 20:00 and 06:00 each night [3]. During the closure the diverted buses will run via Provan Road, Cumbernauld Road, Alexandra Parade, Castle Street and Cathedral Street before rejoining the normal route [3].