Two bus operators in different corners of the UK have introduced discounted young person’s fares to help travelling youngsters during the summer holidays.
Newport Transport has launched Bamboo, a new and cheaper fare for passengers under the age of 19.
The operator is also launching a new Bamboo smartcard which can be used by youngsters to purchase cheaper weekly, monthly and annual passes. With the card, young travellers will pay one low price to travel between both zones of the Newport Transport network.
Fares start at £9 for unlimited travel for a week, including the weekend. A monthly pass is £30 and an annual pass £320, less than 90p per day. Passengers with a Bamboo card will no longer be asked for ID on the bus and the card will expire on their 19th birthday.
The Bamboo card is replacing the Child Passport product. Anyone holding a Child Passport or Child Passport Plus will need to upgrade their card. Newport Transport will supply the card and transfer any existing credit free of charge.
Scott Pearson, MD at Newport Transport, said: “Hopefully this will lower the barrier for young people to start using the bus and save some money.”
Meanwhile, Arriva Southern Counties (ASC) has extended the availability of its ‘Kids Go Cheap’ fares in Kent and East Sussex.
The special fares will be available all day, seven days a week and can be used by up to two children travelling with one person paying adult fares, instead of the normal two adults. The fares allow children to travel for a maximum of 60p for a single journey or £1 for a return.
