|
Parents are being urged to get their children’s applications for Nexus Under 16 Cards in now ahead of the start of the new school term. Young people must have the free card to qualify for the cheapest child concessionary fares on public transport in Tyne and Wear. Application forms are available from Nexus Travelshops or can be printed from here. Nexus is expecting a rush of applications after it announced a shake-up of child fares that will see the cost of many journeys fall. From September 1 holders of the Under 16 Card will be able to travel all day for £1 on public transport by buying the new ‘Cat’ or Child Allday Ticket, while single fares will be 50p. And the child concessionary fare will be extended – making it available throughout the day and evening and at weekends too. Andy Bairstow, Nexus Communications Director, said: “We are making travel for children and young people simpler and cheaper for many journeys – particularly in the evening and at weekends. “We’re expecting a rise in demand for Under 16 Cards as families realise the good value they offer – so apply now to give us time to process applications before the school term starts.” A Nexus concessionary fare is only available with an Under 16 card, otherwise an operator can charge a commercial child fare – which is more expensive – or may not accept an older teenager is under 16 and charge an adult fare. Single concessionary fares will be capped at 50p from September 1, 30p less than some current commercial fares. Around 60,000 young people in Tyne and Wear already hold a Nexus Under 16 Card, making about eight million journeys a year. But up to 100,000 more who live in Tyne and Wear do not hold a card.
|
