Young people leaving the local authority care system in the North East will receive free travel up to the age of 25 under plans being discussed by the North East Joint Transport Committee June 20

Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair, North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “The North East Joint Transport Committee is dedicated to helping young people access enhanced opportunities through good transport links, so I'm pleased we’re looking at introducing free travel for care-experienced people up to the age of 25.

“The new initiative will run alongside our new £1 single bus fare for people aged 21 and under which launched just last month. The scheme has been incredibly popular and has sold over a million tickets in just four weeks, so it’s great to see these schemes helping more and more people to choose sustainable, affordable public transport in the North East. 

“Alongside investments in fares, we will discuss a budget for bus service enhancements and a journey-planning website and app which will provide clear public transport information for passengers including timetable information, live bus tracking and details of the cheapest fares available."