Care leavers free bus pass to launch soon

The Tees Pass will help care leavers access free bus travel up to the age of 25

A new free bus pass for people leaving the care system across the Tees Valley will be launched next week.

The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority (TVCA) agreed to provide free bus passes for care leavers earlier this year.

The Tees Pass will be available from 17 November and will allow cardholders to access free bus travel until they are 25.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said the pass aimed to make it easier for care leavers, who often faced "financial and social challenges", to "access new opportunities".

The funding is being provided by the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) which comes from the Department for Transport.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: "Providing free travel for care leavers is a simple and straightforward move which will have a big impact on hundreds of lives."

The Tees Pass will launch on 17 November

The TCVA also provides funding to ensure bus fares are capped at £1 for under 22s in the region.

Steve Walker, Stagecoach managing director for the North East, said the new care leavers pass was "fantastic".