Free bus travel for young people leaving care

Young people leaving care are being given free bus travel on East Yorkshire and Stagecoach East Midlands services

Hundreds of young people in Hull and East Yorkshire are to receive six months of free bus travel to support them as they leave care, Hull City Council has said.

The pass allows the holder to use services operated by East Yorkshire Buses and Stagecoach East Midlands.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, roads and highways at Hull City Council, said supporting care leavers was a "top priority for the council".

He said the "innovative scheme" would "really help" young people as they leave local authority care.

The pass will be available to around 300 eligible young people in the Hull and East Yorkshire area.

Hull City Council said the scheme, known as the Young Persons’ Freedom Pass, was part of its bus service improvement plan and was funded by the Department for Transport (DfT).

East Riding of Yorkshire Council, East Yorkshire Buses and Stagecoach East Midlands are also partners in the project.

The bus passes can be used to help young people get to and from work or education, as well as leisure

The council added there are no time restrictions for using the pass and it can be used for travel to and from work, further education and for leisure purposes.

The scheme is funded until the end of March 2025, when the councils expect to hear about future funding from the DfT.

Councillor Paul West, cabinet member for environment and transport at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "Thanks to these bus companies for partnering with our two councils so we can offer this important benefit to our care leavers."

He said he hoped it was beneficial for care leavers at a “very important time in their lives”.

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