Transport

Free Bus Travel for Under 16s This August Starting today, children under the age of 16 can travel for free on local buses throughout August, a measure aimed at alleviating the financial burden many families face due to the current cost-of-living crisis. This initiative is part of the broader Great British Summer Savings campaign, which also includes a £2 cap on bus fares, ensuring that millions benefit from reduced transport costs, saving up to a third on their journeys. As families seek to enjoy outings to museums, beaches, and national parks, this provision of free bus travel will provide a much-needed financial reprieve during the school holidays, allowing more opportunities for leisure activities at a lower cost. Exciting Days Out for Families Free bus travel for children is now in eff...

Increased Access to Half-Price Rail Fares for Students Starting this September, a significant number of students aged between 16 and 18 will benefit from half-price rail fares, a move designed to ease their commutes to school, college, or training facilities. The enhancement of the 16-17 Saver railcard will now allow it to remain valid for a full year from the date of purchase, rather than expiring when the holder turns 18. This adjustment addresses a previous limitation that left over 70,000 young individuals unable to access the 50% discount in the past year alone. This initiative is part of the government's broader strategy to prioritise passenger needs in anticipation of the establishment of Great British Railways. It comes on the heels of measures such as freezing rail fares and expan...

Legal Victory Paves the Way for Gatwick Airport Expansion The Court of Appeal has dismissed a legal challenge regarding the expansion of Gatwick Airport, signalling the end of years of uncertainty surrounding this significant project. With this ruling, plans to fully utilise the airport's second runway can now proceed, promising a transformative impact on the region. The expansion is expected to generate approximately 14,000 new jobs and contribute an additional £1 billion annually to the local economy. This growth is set to enhance the South East's economic landscape and extend its reach through Gatwick's extensive national supply chain. Increased Capacity and Passenger Options As part of the expansion, the extended Northern Runway is anticipated to commence operations by 2030, facilitati...

In an exciting development for rail travel in Yorkshire, the successful digital pay-as-you-go ticketing trials are being expanded, allowing even more passengers to enjoy a streamlined and flexible travel experience. This initiative follows the completion of trials that saw over 30,000 journeys made between Leeds and Harrogate, as well as Doncaster and Sheffield, using this innovative technology. This digital ticketing system allows users to download an app that employs GPS tracking to monitor their journeys, automatically calculating the most economical fare without the need for physical check-ins or pre-purchasing tickets. As a result, passengers can travel with confidence, knowing they will always receive the best value for their journey. The introduction of digital ticketing also aims t...