Young people between the ages of 16 and 19 can now apply for a free Endeavour Card which will give them 25% off bus fares around Suffolk.
The travel smartcard, similar to the London Oyster Card, is being introduced by Suffolk County Council and will mean reduced travel costs on buses from 1 October 2013.
At first, the card will operate as a ‘flashcard’, giving the pass holder the discount as they board the bus and pay for their journey. But by April 2014, cashless payments and online top up will be activated on all cards. This will make the card easier to use and speed up boarding times.
Operators that have so far signed up to the scheme include Ipswich Buses, Galloway, Coach Services, Stephensons, Carters, Suffolk Norse, Anglian Bus and First Eastern Counties. The scheme is open to other operators to join until 31 March 2014.
Councillor Graham Newman, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for roads and transport said:
16-19 year olds in Suffolk can now apply for a free Endeavour Card and I’d urge them to sign up now and start saving money. Most importantly of all, the Endeavour Card will help to remove transport barriers to college, training and work. This will make a significant contribution to achieving the aims of our Raising the Bar initiative - to raise educational attainment and aspiration and better match skills with future jobs.
Young people have been able to register an interest in having an Endeavour Card since May 2013. So far 2,300 have signed up and have now been invited to apply.
Future developments
Suffolk County Council is interested in developing a non-discount, cashless, smartcard for all Suffolk residents, regardless of age. This will be considered in the next 12 months.
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