Cheshire young people to enjoy 'significantly discounted' bus fares
Young people are to enjoy 'significantly discounted' bus fares as part of a new trial. And leaders with Cheshire East Council hope the two-year-long initiative will help to 'bridge the gap' and support younger passengers get around.
The scheme, which launched earlier this week, is being supported by the government-funded Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). That comes from the Department for Transport in an effort to support 'increased bus service provision and passenger numbers within Cheshire East.'
Organisers say the 'bus saver card' for those aged between 16 and 19 offers a third off the standard adult fare and is valid on all local bus services that start or finish within Cheshire East. It is also open to care leavers aged between 16 and 22, and they will enjoy free travel.
The initial trial scheme - which is open to Cheshire East residents only - will last for two years and passes are valid until October 31 2026 or the day before the pass holder’s 20th birthday, or 22 for care leavers. Councillor Laura Crane, vice chair of Cheshire East Council’s highways and transport committee, said: “Bridging that gap between childhood and the start of adult life is a difficult enough time for a young person without having to be thinking about the affordability of getting around.
“This two-year trial is a great way to help young people and I hope that we get some excellent take up for this really important offer. I ask that if you know a young person of this age that you make them aware of this brilliant trial and get them to start making savings now.”
Councillor Lata Anderson, the local authority's public transport member champion, said: "This is a really positive step which will support an increase in the use of our bus services. It’s always felt a little harsh to me that a school leaver, who in all probability may well still be in full time education, is asked to pay an adult fare. This trial addresses that problem honestly.
“This trial is also fully supportive of the role the council plays as a corporate parent by enabling care leavers to travel without a charge. Anything that supports young people to travel independently and helps to increase the use of our bus services can only ever be a good thing.”
A spokesperson for the council added: "The scheme is being delivered by the Cheshire East Bus Partnership, and all bus operators providing services in the borough are taking part, with the intention of encouraging more people to travel by bus."
Details on how to apply can be found here.
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