Date: 09/01/2012 Category: Integrated Transport
Young people aged up to 18 can now benefit from half price bus travel at all times.
Medway Council has run a half price fare initiative for young people for a number of years, which was applicable at specific times of the day.
From now on the scheme, renamed as the Medway Youth Pass, now applies to all young people travelling on any local bus service at all times, up to the end of the academic year after their 18th birthday.
The journeys must start in Medway and can be to any destination in Medway or Kent, (as long as any changes of bus are in Medway) so the pass will give young people access to all the area’s cultural, educational and sporting events.
Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services Cllr Phil Filmer said: “We extended the half price scheme to include all young people up to the age of 18 back in 2009. Now this further initiative will provide even more freedom of choice, and help young people to travel affordably and safely around Medway at all times”.
To qualify pass holders must live in Medway and travel to any destination in Medway or Kent (as long as any changes of bus are in Medway). The pass is not valid on the subsidised yellow buses run by the council or with companies that already offer a child fare for students.
Application forms for the Medway Youth Pass are available from all Medway Schools, Strood, Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham libraries, the council offices at Gun Wharf and the Customer First contact points. Young people or their parents will need to complete and sign the form and return it to the Student Services Operations Team, Medway Council, Children and Adults, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR.
Applicants will need to attach a passport-sized photograph. There is a £5.50 administration fee, payable by cheque, postal order, credit or debit card. To pay by cash visit Medway Council’s Chatham or Strood contact point (please do not send cash in the post).
Young people aged 16 to 18 who already hold a valid concessionary pass do not need to re-apply.
For further information visit any Medway school, main library or council contact point, call 331155 or visit www.medway.gov.uk/gettingtoschool