Pilot transport scheme for post-16 students

What is the scheme about?

A ground-breaking new pilot scheme promoting independent travel for young people is being launched shortly. Students in the six trial areas will receive £50-worth of travel vouchers, valid during the summer term and the summer holidays 2008. These will be in £1 units and valid for participating buses and taxis. Young people can also join together to combine their vouchers and cash to pay for fares.

Please note that the pilot scheme is only open to students who pay for post-16 educational transport and live in:

• Asfordby
• Vale of Belvoir
• Market Bosworth
• Lutterworth
• Bruntingthorpe
• Burbage

Where can the vouchers be used?

The vouchers are available for use in the Leicestershire area. Journeys must commence or finish in Leicestershire. Students can travel across neighbouring county / authority boundaries as far as Derby, Nottingham, Newark, Grantham, Corby, Kettering, Northampton, Rugby, Coventry and Nuneaton, Atherstone and Burton on Trent . The City of Leicester is also included.

The vouchers are available for use on all participating bus operators’ services. Students are advised to ask taxi companies when booking the journey whether they accept the vouchers.

How can the vouchers be used?

The vouchers can be used as part or whole payment for journeys made on participating operators’ services. Students must ensure they show their 16+ travel pass, when using vouchers as payment, to the driver. Groups of students wishing to travel in taxis together can use their vouchers as payment but must present their passes on demand. The fare can be paid using more than one student’s vouchers as payment. Additional extras i.e. passengers must be paid for and will be added to the fare.

How can I participate and obtain my vouchers?

Vouchers are available to students who live in the areas identified above. Eligible students will receive a letter indicating their ability to participate. Simply, forward an Email with the words 16+ Vouchers in the subject line to passengertransport@leics.gov.uk indicating your name, address and a contact number. We shall then dispatch your vouchers to your home address within 10 days. You can then start using your vouchers to make social journeys outside the normal core school / college times.

Please remember to carry your bus pass with you when using the vouchers as you will be required to present it to the driver.