It encourages children to bundle onto buses via rear doors instead of
queuing at the front door with others and it has also encouraged them to use
the bus for journeys of just one stop which they would be unlikely to do if
paying.

But I've also noticed that since OAPs have been given free bus travel in
my area (only been about for about 1yr), they have also been making
short journeys which they've never done before. I've even seen someone
get on the bus, go round the terminus point & get back off further down
the road!

Tbh, it's a shame, as many kids aren't badly behaved, but I certaintly
feel there should be an evening time limit, say 9pm or something.