Teens urged to take up travel card

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) is urging schools, parents and carers to make sure their 11-16-year-olds get the discount card before the summer.

It guarantees a flat 80p fare for single journeys on buses and trams, plus half-price train tickets within South Yorkshire for children in that age group.

Around 75,000 South Yorkshire youngsters are eligible for a MegaTravel pass, but at least 20,000 have not claimed one.

SYPTE customer services director Tim Taylor said: “We want to make sure that as many of them as possible take advantage of the cheapest fares on public transport available for their age group.

“We’re urging parents and carers to get applications in early for their children’s passes before the new school year, so they can make the most of the cheaper fares all over the summer.”

He added: “It’s easy to get a free MegaTravel pass. Parents or carers can simply apply online and it will be sent to their home.

“To use the pass, children just need to remember to take it and tap it on board or show it before paying their fare.”

The pass is accepted by all operators of buses, trams and trains in the region.

Youngsters can upload a range of weekly and monthly tickets on their pass, saving time and money.

They remain valid up to July 31 of the year in which a child turns 16, or until the day before their birthday, if it falls in August.

Apply online at www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/megatravelpass, or leave a completed application form in one of the drop-boxes available at South Yorkshire transport interchanges.