A scheme launched last year that offers young people cheaper bus fares has hit the 10 million journey milestone.

For £1, those aged 21 and under have access to a single way ticket on all bus, Metro and ferry journeys across the North East (Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham), and for just £3, a day pass.

The £1 bus tickets scheme, funded by the regions Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP,) comes with one of the largest allocations of funding in the country of £163.5million.

It is estimated that an extra 3.6 million extra journeys have been taken as a result of the scheme, generating social and economic benefits with an approximate value of £18 million.

The scheme is also credited for its positive impact on the environment, with bus trips having roughly 50% lower carbon emissions than car travel.

Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, Cllr Martin Gannon, said: “I’m thrilled that our £1 tickets for people aged 21 and under are proving so popular, with over 10 million tickets now sold. That’s millions of greener, cheaper journeys by bus, Metro and Ferry – opening up many opportunities for our region’s young people.

The Northern Echo: Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee

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“Many residents are dealing with the major increase in the cost of living, and I'm pleased these fares go some way to reducing everyday transport costs for young people and their families.”

The young fare initiative sits alongside the national £2 adult single bus fare, and more improvements are on their way, meaning traveling by public transport in the North East is an extremely viable option to consider.

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