Many fail to take up free bus pass offer for young people

Paul Whitehouse

MORE than a quarter of youngsters eligible for a free bus pass have failed to take up the offer, latest figures have revealed.

Barnsley Council introduced the Mi Card last April, providing benefits for holders including free bus travel after 9am on weekdays and throughout weekends.

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Statistics compiled in December show that so far almost 26,000 cards have been issued, but there are about 36,000 who are eligible, meaning the take-up rate is around 72 per cent.

Numbers have been increasing since the cards were introduced, but statisticians believe the growth phase has “now more-or-less ended”.

About 10,000 people applied at the start of the scheme and numbers grew rapidly through the summer, but by October the growth had tailed off and numbers have remained relatively static since then.

However, a report to South Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority said the scheme had “seen a significant increase in young people’s bus trip volumes”.

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The introduction of free bus travel for children was introduced by Barnsley Council at its own expense, although the ITA has previously indicated it will assess the scheme, with the possibility of introducing its own fare concessions for youngsters across the area at some point in the future.

Barnsley Council Leader Steve Houghton said: “Mi card is a huge opportunity for young people to have free bus fares, swimming and library services and the success of the scheme has grown month by month with 72 per cent of the borough’s young people taking advantage of it.

“We still need to target the remainder – many of whom have left school and are now at college. There will be more publicity drives to tackle this in the near future.

“Mi card has also made a significant impact in improving child poverty in the borough. Poorer families have benefited as they are saving money on bus fares which is a great help in this time of recession. It also means that young people’s needs and aspirations are being met – they can go further afield to youth centres and facilities across the borough at no extra cost.

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“It is also helping the environment by encouraging the use of public transport instead of cars.

“I am proud that Barnsley was the first local authority to incorporate so many wide-ranging opportunities within the mi card scheme, bringing many benefits to our young people,” he said.