North east youth fare hits 10m marker
More than 10 million journeys have been made by young people in the north east of England since the launch of specially priced fares for youngsters in the region were introduced.
The region-wide £1 single and £3 day ticket for those aged 21-and-under using public transport was launched in the north east in May 2023. Transport North East claims it has saved young people and families an estimated £7 million since it was introduced. An estimated 3.6 million extra journeys have been taken as a result of the scheme, generating social and economic benefits whose value is estimated at £18 million.
Funded by the region’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), the £1 bus tickets offer cheaper travel for everyone who is aged 21 and under, whether they are students, apprentices or people who are starting out in their career.
“As we look ahead to the creation in May of a new Combined Authority covering the North East region, we will continue to deliver our Bus Service Improvement Plan” – Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee
Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “I’m thrilled that our £1 tickets for people aged 21 and under are proving so popular, with over 10 million tickets now sold. That’s millions of greener, cheaper journeys by bus, Metro and Ferry – opening up many opportunities for our region’s young people.
“Many residents are dealing with the major increase in the cost of living, and I’m pleased these fares go some way to reducing everyday transport costs for young people and their families. If you haven’t been on public transport for a little while, now is a great time to try it out at an affordable price.
“Our Bus Service Improvement Plan funding is already changing things for the better for people across the North East – driving down the cost of every day travel for our young people, providing free travel to care experienced people up to the age of 25, and delivering a wide range of affordable adult day tickets too.
“As we look ahead to the creation in May of a new Combined Authority covering the North East region, we will continue to deliver our Bus Service Improvement Plan, looking for opportunities to drive economic growth and make public transport an affordable, attractive and green travel choice for people across the region.”