Young people's free bus travel scheme extended

A scheme which allows young people to travel on buses at a reduced rate will be extended.

Since September 2023, unaccompanied passengers under the age of 19 in York have paid £1 for a single fare and under-16s have travelled for free.

The subsidy was due to end on 31 December, but will continue until 31 March next year.

City of York Council said an extension was agreed after the programme received "positive feedback".

The agreement was made as part of the city's bus service improvement plan.

A council spokesperson said since the scheme began half a million reduced price and free tickets had been issued across York's seven bus operators.

According to the council, 50% more five- to 16-year-olds took advantage of the offer in October 2024, compared to a year previously.

Councillor Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport at City of York Council, said: "This extension is great news for York's young people and their families.

"I've heard first hand that this scheme has made a genuine difference and so, by keeping the fares going until March 2025, we're enabling young people to be independent and access even more social, education and employment opportunities."

Ravilious said the scheme was a "win-win" for York, as it had reduced the number of cars on the roads by "freeing parents and carers from giving lifts".

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