Half-fare travel is just the ticket

A new photocard will give 16 to 18-year-olds half fare bus and rail travel across West Yorkshire.

The initiative by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority - the body which brings together the area’s councils - is designed to ensure more young people can access jobs, apprenticeships or other training.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority chairman Coun Peter Box said: “Improving young people’s access to apprenticeships, training and good quality jobs is a key part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s ambition to create and support a flexible workforce with skills that meet local employers’ requirements.

“The simple message to 16 to 18-year-olds and their families is that getting a 16 to 18 photocard that enables them to get on the bus or train for half fare will help them access the apprenticeships and training opportunities we’re creating.”

Concessionary fares were already available to 16 to 18-year-olds in full-time education.

The Combined Authority says savings it has made elsewhere will cover the costs of extending the scheme to all people in that age group.

Transport committee chairman Coun Keith Wakefield said: “West Yorkshire Combined Authority already spends around £55m each year providing concessionary travel for 300,000 young, senior and disabled people. Extending half-fare to a further 22,000 16-18 year-olds across the county through the 16 to 18 photocard means we can help address the financial constraints they face and make it possible to connect them with educational and vocational opportunities for their future.”