Children and young people with a Nexus Under-16 Pop Card are being advised to get smart to get the cheapest travel.
From tomorrow Metro ticket machines will only sell the cheapest child concessionary fares – 60p single and £1.10 all day, when holders touch their Under -16 Pop card against the bright orange reader on each machine.
Nexus funds the cheaper Child Concessionary Fare, which is valid across all local public transport in Tyne and Wear, using funding from local authorities – and it is freezing the price this year.
The change to ticket machines is part of the move to smart travel for all passengers which nexus is rolling out as the Transport Revolution.
Tobyn Hughes, Deputy Director General of Nexus, said: “Under-16 Pop cards unlock cheaper travel for young people living in Tyne and Wear.
“From this week cardholders will simply have to place their card against the bright orange reader to see these fares offered on the ticket machine screen. This will make sure these cheaper tickets, which are funded by local authorities, are available only to those entitle to them.”
Without an Under-16 Pop Card young people will only see the higher Metro commercial child fare, of 70p single and £1.20, offered.
A poster campaign, letters to schools and staff at key stations will help guide young people through the change.
Instructions on the machine will make the process simple providing the user has their Under-16 Pop card with them.
There is no change for cardholders boarding buses – they should show them to the driver when asking for a ticket, or have the card alongside their existing ticket when showing a Child All day Ticket (CAT) they have previously bought.
Anyone who has difficulty using an Under-16 Pop card can ring Nexus customer services on 0191 20 20 747. Apply for an Under 16 Pop card here.