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Families in London are being reminded to take advantage of free bus and tram travel for their children with the new school year about to begin. While take up of free travel among eligible 11-15-year-olds is at around 80%, there are still thousands of young people yet to take advantage of this scheme. Free travel concessions have now been grouped under the umbrella name 'Zip'. The Zip Oyster photocard gives 11-15 year-olds and eligible 16-18 year-olds free travel on London's buses and trams. This could save families over £300 a year. It is estimated that around 100,000 children in each secondary school year (11-15) could benefit from a Zip card, and that around 140,000 young Londoners in full-time education or work based learning are eligible for the 16+ free bus and tram travel concession. The Zip travel concession has also benefited some of London's most disadvantaged families by giving 11-15 year old Oyster photocard holders child rate travel on the Tube, DLR and London Overground, with a daily cap of just £1 (Zones 1-6) All 16+ Oyster photocard holders can buy 7 Day, monthly or longer period Travelcards at child-rate and pay as you go at half the adult-rate, even if they don't qualify for free bus and tram travel. These savings are designed to enable children and young people to explore everything the capital has to offer, no matter where they live in London. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "With the new school year just around the corner, young people need to make sure they get signed up to the Zip scheme so that they can take advantage of free travel. When the scheme launched, some parents voiced concern that they had not been kept fully in the loop. I have therefore asked Transport for London to do everything possible to make as many young people, schools and parents aware of the Zip scheme and how to benefit from it. "One of the aims of the Zip scheme was to improve the level of behaviour on the capital's buses and I have been pleased to hear feedback that this is now happening, which is obviously good news for every passenger." TfL Director of Community Safety, Enforcement and Protection, Steve Burton said: "This scheme is there to help the families in London that need it most and may be especially valuable during the so-called "credit crunch" - we don't want anyone to miss out. "Since June, validating Oyster photocards on every journey has been compulsory for anyone qualifying for free travel and we are already hearing back from passengers and bus drivers that behaviour among school children is significantly improving. "Parents and guardians should make sure that children carry the card every day if they take the bus to school, because any child without it will have to pay for their journey." Anne Longfield OBE, Chief Executive of 4Children said: "4Children welcomes Transport for London's Zip travel scheme for its capacity to provide greater freedom for young people and improve their access to sporting, social and cultural activities. "It has powerful potential to support families and young people growing up in and around London, particularly those whose activities may be limited due to financial restrictions." Zip Oyster photocard application forms are available from Post Offices within London. It may take up to two weeks to process your application. 11-18 year olds who do not have a valid Oyster photocard must pay the full adult cash fare. Proof of application will not be accepted by bus drivers as a valid ticket for travel. Further details are available at www.tfl.gov.uk/zip Courtesy of: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ |
