Youth cabinet wins cheap bus travel for Rotherham youngsters

Travel passes were previously only available during the academic year, meaning young people paying full price in August.

Campaigning members of Rotherham Youth Cabinet called for child concessions to be available throughout the year.

Cabinet member Toni Paxford (18) said: “This is great news. It means young people who are apprentices or in employment aren’t being penalised because the concessionary fares were only rolled out during term times.

“It also means students can also get out and about during the long summer break without this breaking the bank for them.

“We are grateful to the SYPTE for agreeing these changes following our presentation to them.”

The teens’ presentation to transport bosses took place at Rotherham Town Hall, hosted by the council’s overview and scrutiny management board.

Cllr Brian Steele, board chairman, said: “It is great that they have had their views heard and helped to secure these changes.

“Not only will this help young people get to jobs, but I also hope access to these passes will also help prevent isolation for some young people.

“It also means these youngsters are more likely to travel into town and beyond, which can only be a good thing for the local economy.”

The pass also gives half price fares on Northern Rail trains. The changes were approved by Sheffield City Region’s transport committee.

Tim Taylor, customer services director at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, said: “We take every opportunity we can to make improvements based on what people tell us would help them to use public transport.

“By working with Rotherham Youth Cabinet, we’ve been able to make sure our plans for concessionary travel are right for young people.

“The changes will allow us to better support young people to access learning, training, employment and other opportunities beyond existing academic boundaries.”