Parents are being urged to make sure their children have the new Under 16 Pop Card before the end of July.
Failing to get the new card could mean children missing out on cheaper concessionary travel on public transport in Tyne and Wear.
The new Pop smartcard has replaced the old Under 16 Card as a proof of age and entitlement to cheaper fares – including the 50p single and £1 Child Allday Ticket (Cat) for unlimited travel on all local transport for a whole day in Tyne and Wear.
Old Nexus Under 16 cards, even if they have an expiry date after 1st August 2011, will no longer be valid from 1 August 2011, and anyone still using one now needs to make sure they have applied for a new Pop card.
Application forms are available at nexus.org.uk and from Nexus Travelshops.
Tobyn Hughes, Nexus Director of Customer Services, said: “The Under 16 Pop Card opens the door to cheaper travel for children and young people, and we don’t want families to miss out.
“I urge parents who have not yet replaced their children’s old Under 16 Card to apply to do so well ahead of the end of the month, so they get the new Pop card in plenty of time.”
Nexus replaced more than 30,000 cards free of charge earlier this year, but is now appealing to parents who have yet to respond to do so without delay.
Applications for Pop cards now carry a £5 administration charge – but with the card saving children up to 30p a journey on bus, ferry, Metro and local rail, and much more for all-day travel, it soon pays for itself.
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