Young people 'disadvantaged by transport fares'

Date: 30/5/2013

Young people aged between 16 and 24 have been hit particularly hard by rising bus fares in recent years, research published by the Campaign for Better Transport has claimed.

The study was commissioned by the Intergenerational Foundation, and found that the younger generation rely on the nation's buses more than those in any other age group - but they're at a significant disadvantage as a result of policies related to bus travel.

Indeed, according to the report, while more than one million 16-24 year olds are currently not in employment, education or training, many of them cannot afford to pay for their journeys to job interviews - or even to the Job Centre - because of the increase in bus fares.

Highlighting a 33 per cent jump in the cost of a bus journey over the last seven years, the study also stresses that concessionary travel for over-60s is ring-fenced by Government while similar provisions are not made for young people.

And with cuts in transport budgets meaning that 41 per cent of local authorities have been forced to reduce bus routes for 2012/2013, the report argues that 16-24 year olds are having their employment and education opportunities squeezed by bus fares.

What's more, the scrapping of the Education Maintenance Allowance was also criticised for hampering young people's ability to pay for their travel to and from colleges.

Stephen Joseph, Chief Executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, said: "Our research found it is now more difficult for young people to access jobs and education than it was 15 years ago.

"This is in no-one's interests, least of all young people themselves. Government needs to use the upcoming spending review to ensure young people aren't priced off public transport."

In order to provide greater assistance to 16-24 year olds, the Campaign for Better Transport and the Intergenerational Foundation are calling on the Government to introduce a national, free concessionary travel scheme for young people.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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