New £1 bus fares introduced for older teenagers
BBCOlder teenagers living in parts of Cheshire are now eligible for £1 bus fares under a new trial scheme.
Cheshire West and Chester Council's NextGenTravel Pass offers the reduced fare on services that start or end in the area.
Karen Shore, deputy leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said the scheme would remove barriers for young people.
The local authority said the scheme was being funded by the government.
'Reduced fares'
To be eligible for the reduced fares, young people who live in the area need to apply for a free pass from the council.
Shore, who is also the cabinet member for transport and highways, said: "We know that travel costs can be a real barrier for young people, whether they're getting to college, work, training or simply meeting up with friends.
"NextGenTravel is about removing that barrier."
Some other areas of the North West already offer reduced bus fares for older teenagers.
Cheshire East launched a scheme, also funded by the government, offering £1 bus fares to 16-19 year olds signed up to its Bus Saver card in May.
In Warrington, under 21s can join its Bus Club for £5 a year, which offers them a £1.50 flat fare.
In Greater Manchester, the Our Pass scheme gives those aged 16-18 free local bus travel for a one-off £10 signing-up fee.
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