Under-21s to get bus pass discount

All 16-21 year olds in England will get a 66% discount on bus travel under plans unveiled by the Liberal Democrats.

The proposal, which forms part of the pre-manifesto launched today, would see all 16-21 year olds would be given a Young Person’s Bus Pass. It would help young people with the cost of travel by offering a minimum two thirds discount on bus travel in England. Bus companies would then be able to add their own discounts on top of that.

Liberal Democrats plan to pay for it by abolishing TV licenses and Winter Fuel Payments to pensioners who qualify as higher rate taxpayers.

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Commenting on the new policy, Nick Clegg said:

“Liberal Democrats are committed to building a stronger economy and a fairer society, enabling people to get on in life, which is why we are introducing a Young Person’s Bus Pass which will cover at least two thirds of travel for all young people aged 16-21.

“We do not believe it is fair that some young people are hit in the pocket while others have a free ride. That is why we want to level the playing field so that all young men and women can get where they need to go

“The Young Person’s Bus Pass will ensure that young people looking to access education or training can do so in an affordable way, and I hope that bus companies will top up that discount to something even more generous.

“Young people are required to stay in school until they are 18, but we haven’t done enough to give them the support that they need to do that – literally to help them get from A to B

“I know there are people who say you mustn’t touch so-called universal pensioner benefits because politically it’s too risky. We don’t agree: what are effectively benefits for the rich and retired cannot be justified when there are so many young people struggling to get on their feet.”

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