South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) and transport operators would like to remind young people aged 11-16 that they can claim discounted travel on public transport if they have a MegaTravel Pass.
The pass, which entitles them to travel for 40p on buses and trams and half price on local trains, proves the young person is under 16 and that they live in South Yorkshire. People living outside the county are not entitled to the discount.
If they lose their pass, they can get a replacement from any information centre in South Yorkshire free of charge until 1 September. Usually there is a charge of £5.
To ensure that young people have MegaTravel Passes 16,000 leaflets have been sent out via schools, containing detailed information for pupils and parents.
SYPTE's Education and Safety team delivers lessons at all junior and secondary schools across the county, using role play to teach youngsters how to behave sensibly and responsibly on the bus, in particular focusing on how to use their MegaTravel Pass.
There are also ‘Transport Matters’ notice boards at each school, stickers on buses (the first thing you see when you board the vehicle), information on the Travel South Yorkshire website - travelsouthyorkshire.com - and at all our information centres.
For drivers SYPTE issues information booklets, which outline all the concessions available. Dedicated school bus drivers are also given extra training, covering issues such as the MegaTravel Pass.
Over the last three months SYPTE has issued thousands of passes to Year 6 pupils, who are about to move to secondary school in September. However SYPTE says there are still many youngsters who have not got one. If this applies to your child the advice is get a MegaTravel Pass as soon as possible from their school reception or from any SYPTE information centre in the county.
David Brown, Passenger Services Director at SYPTE, said: “We subsidise concessions using public funding, so it is important only the people entitled to it receive the discount. Passes are free, easy to get and most importantly they will save you money because your child will be able to travel for the discounted fare. However, if a young person does not have a pass, they must pay full fare for the journey."
Speaking on behalf of all bus and tram operators in South Yorkshire, Duncan Roberts, Chairman of BOSSY (Bus Operators Serving South Yorkshire), emphasised the importance of carrying a MegaTravel Pass.
He said: “The MegaTravel Pass proves the young person is under 16 and that they are entitled to the discount. Please think about the driver or conductor being put in an awkward position. Please ensure your child has a pass and they carry it round with them whenever they maybe using public transport.”
If your child does not have a MegaTravel Pass they can pick up an application form from their school reception or from any information centre.
For more information visit travelsouthyorkshire.com or call Traveline on 01709 51 51 51.
SYPTE is a member of the Travel South Yorkshire partnership.
The aim of the partnership is to bring public transport together, encourage more people to use it, make it easier to understand and deliver new, innovative public transport products and services.
Travel South Yorkshire is the new identity of the public transport network in South Yorkshire.