Bus company Stagecoach is encouraging young people to get into the habit of using public transport with the launch of a new scheme.
Aimed at 11 to 19-year-olds, the scheme allows them to travel from as little as £1 a day.
Called the VIP ticket (Very Independent Person), young people can travel all over Tyne and Wear, getting out and about under their own steam.
Stagecoach is running a number of roadshows this month to let young people know what is on offer and they will be giving away free travel offers. Young people will also be given a loyalty bonus when they use the VIP ticket, collecting tickets to claim prizes.
Tickets cost £2 per day, £7 for a weekly pass or £28 for a full 28 days and will be available starting during the October half term.
Robin Knight, Commercial Director for Stagecoach North East, says: “It’s good for young adults to learn how to be independent and not simply rely on mum or day to be a 24 hour taxi service. It also encourages greener travel patterns for the future, helping them learn that the car is not the only mode of transport and there are efficient and viable alternatives.
“Of course, it also means they can get out and about around the area and visit all the brilliant attractions at very little cost."
All you need to buy a VIP ticket is a Nexus U16 card or a Teen Travel Card to use as identification. Daily and weekly tickets can be bought on board the bus and monthly tickets will be available online.
The new all-day VIP tickets replace the old 929 ticket (which only offered travel to under 16s between 9am and 9pm).
Anyone interested in any further information on the VIP ticket can go along to one of the roadshows which will be held on:
- October 15-16 at South Tyneside College, South Shields
- October 18 at the Hilton Campus, Sunderland City College
- October 20-26 at King Street, South Shields
- October 20-26 High Street, Sunderland
- October 22-28 at Eldon Square, Newcastle
Prev
