Regional free travel scheme on the way

Last October Newcastle City Council with partners launched a free travel pilot for care experienced young people, young carers and ESOL students for free travel on buses and metros.

The pilot saw approximately 1,800 bus journeys and 200 Metro journeys made every week by those who took part in the scheme.

Following this success, the North East Joint Transport Committee are discussing plans to roll out the initiative across Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham for two years with funding from Government to deliver the North East Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

The scheme to date has made a huge impact for the young people involved. Not only has it saved them money but it has also given them the freedom to enjoy more opportunities resulting in improved mental health and wellbeing, the ability to attend learning and work and enjoy leisure opportunities.

Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader, Newcastle City Council said: “It is fantastic to hear about the positive impact this new travel pilot has made to our young people and I’m proud that the success of this project has led to more young people across the region benefitting from reduced travel costs. We are committed to supporting our young people to have the best possible future and our ongoing work with partners via the Evry plan will ensure this is possible.”

Stephen Creighton, one of the recipients of a free travel pass said; “Being a recipient of the free travel pass has completely changed my life. It has allowed me to get to work without fear of not having enough money and it has allowed me to be able to go and spend time with friends once again, something I previously struggled to do and was having a negative effect on my mental health. I couldn't be any more grateful to be able to benefit from this scheme.”

Evry brings together over 100 partner organisations to make a positive difference to the lives of babies, children, and young people in Newcastle. It was informed by consultation with 1,800 people, aged 25 and under.