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A third off
bus and rail journeys will make a real difference to young people’s lives.
Local young people between the ages of 16 - 18 year
olds and young full-time volunteers
up to the age of 25 are entitled to a
National Entitlement Card.
Local Labour MSP Allan
Wilson says North Ayrshire youngsters can now enjoy cheaper travel on buses,
trains and ferries after the introduction of a new Concessionary Travel
Scheme for young people.
The new scheme which was launched today will:
Give all 16-18 year olds living in Scotland a third off single bus fares
across the country.
Give 16-18 year olds a free rail card entitling them to a third off rail
travel within Scotland.
Give 16-18 year olds who are resident on Scottish Islands two free return
journeys to the mainland each year.
Also include full time volunteers up to the age of 25 who are actively
contributing to their community.
Speaking about the scheme, the Cunninghame North MSP said:
“News that North Ayrshire’s young people can now enjoy cheaper public
transport is a major achievement for the Labour-led Scottish Executive and
will be a real boost for young people.
“A third off bus and rail journeys will make a real difference to young
people’s lives. It will give them access to work, education and leisure
opportunities, all at a reduced cost.”
Local young people between the ages of 16 - 18 year olds and young full-time
volunteers up to the age of 25 are entitled to a National Entitlement Card.
Information on the scheme and how to get a card can be accessed at;
www.givememycard.org.
Notes:
Young Scot/Dialogue Youth Team’s will be visiting local schools over the
next few months to encourage young people to apply for the card. However, if
those between the ages of 16-18 are not in school, or want to get one
sooner, they will have to apply themselves.
Application forms can be picked up from various locations within the Local
Authority or by calling the Young Scot InfoLine on: 0808 801 0338 (lines
open 12:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday).
Further information can be obtained from the leaflet 'Money off Public
Transport for 16 to 18 year olds'. A campaign website for this scheme
www.givememycard.org
was also launched on 8 January 2007.
Background:
The Partnership Agreement commits the Executive to the progressive
introduction of a national scheme of bus, rail and ferry concessionary
travel for young people. This commitment will allow young people greater
choice not only in travel options but also greater economic and social
opportunities.
The Young Persons' concessionary scheme will be administered by Transport
Scotland.
It is intended that all those eligible will be able to access the discounts
available through their National Entitlement Card once the Smartcard
technology is fully rolled out across the Scottish bus fleet. In the
meantime, an interim card will be issued to all eligible applicants.
A text and web service will give young people information on how they can
apply for the discounts via their local authority.
The scheme is expected to cost between £27 million and £30 million per year
depending on take-up, which will be reviewed as is standard practice at the
next spending review.
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