Young people succeed in extending child bus fare age

Members of Southend’s youth council launched a campaign in April, urging bus operator Arriva to extend the local concessionary rate from 13 to 15.

Southend Youth Mayor, Adam Connolly and his deputy, Alex Bright spearheaded the campaign, which wanted to bring the rate in line with Arriva’s policy for the rest of its services in the Southern Counties, where the child rate is available to all 14 and 15-year-olds.

They encouraged other young people to sign a petition resulting in a total of 1,533 signatures. It was presented at council meeting in August by Councillor Ian Gilbert, the council’s youth champion, and Councillor Mark Flewitt, executive member for transport.

Arriva has now agreed to increase the age from 1 September.

Adam Connolly said: "This is excellent news. We gained terrific support from young people in the town, as well as from the council, making this a victory for everyone. It just shows what can be achieved when people work together."

Arriva spokesman Richard Lewis said: "I am pleased we have been able to relax our rules regarding children’s fares, following suggestions from our customers."

In February the British Youth Council called for a national transport card that guarantees cheap travel for all 16- to 25-year-olds as part of its manifesto in the run up to the general election.