Young people win fight over fares (From Stroud News and Journal)

Young people win fight over fares

YOUNG people from Stroud have won their battle with Stagecoach to raise the age for concessionary bus fares from 16 to 18 in Gloucestershire.

Now the UK Youth Parliament is campaigning for a national concession card to be introduced for all young people under 18 or in full time education.

The card, which would cost £5 to cover production, would be accepted on all forms of public transport in the UK.

Alex Farrow, 16 and Katy Dainton, 18, both former members of the Stroud District Youth Council, were responsible for persuading Stagecoach to change its policy.

The company - which made profits of £108.3 million last year - has said it will look at adopting the new concession in November, rather than this summer as originally planned.

Rupert Cox, commercial manager for Stagecoach West, said: "I hoped we would be able to put something in place for this summer.

"It's a fairly big thing and we need to make sure we are offering the best service we can to all our passengers, not just young people.

"We need get it absolutely right, because it could be considered a trial for introducing it nationally.

"I don't want to put a definite date to it at present."

Alex, who lives in Rodborough and is a former Marling School pupil, said:

"Last December we were hoping it would be introduced for the summer, but unfortunately that hasn't happened. We have got to keep the pressure on Stagecoach to make sure it does."

The UK Youth Parliament has started a petition to support the concessionary card, which will be presented to the Government in November.

Emily Wardell, 15, who represents the Cotswolds and Stroud on the organisatrion, said: "Young people simply cannot afford to use public transport. Not only are prices now sky high, but young people who are only 16 - and many still be in full time education - are charged adult rates."