Young people aged 16-18 will be able to take advantage of free bus travel across the East Midlands this month following an extension of the Government’s Summer Bus Fare Offer.
The scheme offers free local bus travel to young people under 16, and the Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has announced that the region will extend the offer by funding free travel for 16 to 18-year-olds on participating services.
Mayor Claire said:The summer holidays should be a time when young people can make the most of the opportunities around them. Extending free bus travel to 16- to 18-year-olds is a simple way of giving families some extra support and helping young people stay connected.
Whether it’s getting to a summer job, visiting friends, taking part in sport or youth activities, affordable transport makes a real difference. For many families, this will mean one less expense to worry about during August.
I want young people across the East Midlands to feel able to get around and enjoy their summer. This is about giving them more freedom, supporting families with costs, and making public transport easier to use.
The Mayor made the announcement in Nottingham, where she boarded a bus in Sneinton Market Square with young people benefiting from the offer, including members of the Basford-based community youth group The Pythian Club.
20 operators have signed up to the scheme thus far, alongside Nottsbus on Demand, a pre-booked minibus service. Children aged five to 15 are able to travel free on participating local bus services during August, and children under five will continue to travel for free as usual. Young people aged 16 to 18 will need approved proof of age in order to take advantage of the service.
