More than 10,000 free bus journeys have been made by 16 to 18-year-old students from High Peak Borough, thanks to a pioneering travel scheme launched earlier this year.
The initiative, a collaboration between the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and Derbyshire County Council, offers free bus travel to students commuting to Greater Manchester’s Further Education colleges.
Students access the scheme by presenting their Derbyshire b_line card alongside their college ID. The pilot programme includes five key bus routes:
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, welcomed the milestone, saying: “Reaching 10,000 free journeys is a fantastic achievement and shows the real difference this scheme is making to young people and their families in High Peak.
“Education should never be limited by geography or transport costs, and I’m proud that the new combined county authority is helping students access the opportunities they deserve.
“I also want to thank the campaigning parents whose persistence made this scheme a reality. Their determination ensured we acted to support these young people.”
The scheme, which launched earlier this year, is running as a pilot until 31 December 2024. Discussions are already underway to explore how the programme can be extended into 2025 and beyond.