A scheme giving apprentices and trainees aged 18 or under half price travel on the bus, train and tram network in the West Midlands has been launched.
It will benefit those on apprenticeships or traineeships who currently have to pay the full adult fare.
Previously, only those aged between 16 and 18 and in full-time education were eligible for half price travel.
The scheme was launched at the new National College of High Speed Rail in Birmingham by Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street. He was joined by representatives from bus and Midland Metro operator National Express West Midlands, and West Midlands Trains, the new franchise holder for rail services in the region.
Andy Street said: “The West Midlands Combined Authority felt there was a gap in the provision of help with travel for apprentices and trainees, which is why we have made this available.
“Apprentices tend to be on very low incomes so it’s only right they have the same support as people in further education.
“By giving them a helping hand now we are investing not just in their futures but also in the region’s future.
“Doing all that we can to train our young people to reach their full potential will see them learn the skills that will be the building blocks of future prosperity for the West Midlands.”
The scheme will run on a trial basis for 12 months. It will be implemented by the WMCA’s transport arm, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which will pay bus and tram companies a subsidy to contribute towards the cost of the discount.
