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Nexus, the region’s public transport body, says just 41 percent of school-aged children in Tyne and Wear have taken up its Concessionary Travel Pass scheme. Now the Metro and Shields Ferry operator is dropping the price for a limited time in a bid to get more youngsters to buy and carry the cut-price travel card. The pass gives school children reduced price travel on public transport during term time, allowing them to get a single fare for 30p (a saving of 20p per journey) or a transfare- for transferring between buses and Metro or Shields Ferry - for just 35p. It is valid until 19.00 hrs on Monday to Friday, except for the month of August. The late finishing time means young people can attend after-school activities and still benefit from reduced price travel. And, once bought, the Concessionary Travel Pass is valid for a child’s entire school career and need only be renewed when a child’s appearance changes. Yet still just 41 percent of youngsters across Tyne and Wear this school year have so far taken up the pass. So to encourage more to do so, Nexus is to reduce its price by a massive 50 percent for a limited time. That means that for just £2, school age children in Tyne and Wear can benefit from cut-price travel on public transport. The offer runs from January 19 to February 29 and all youngsters need to do is go along to any Nexus Travelshop with proof that they are resident in Tyne and Wear, their birth certificate and £2. A passport photograph is not required as Nexus Travelshops are geared up to take digital passport photos on the spot and transfer them directly to the card. Andy Bairstow, Commercial Director for Nexus, said “The 59% of schoolchildren who don’t have a pass are really missing out. Because the passes are aimed at those aged between 5 and 16 and so many of them have not yet taken advantage of it, there are thousands of kids out there paying too much to get to school. And since the passes are valid for their entire school life, including Bank Holidays, there’s even more reason to get one.” The Nexus Concessionary Travel Pass can be used all year round (except August), and is obtainable from any Nexus Travelshop. Children or their parents / guardians applying for the passes just need to take along proof of residence in Tyne and Wear and their birth certificate. A passport photograph can be produced on the spot.
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