Freedom Pass helps young people leaving care access education and employment

Young people leaving care can now access a free bus pass to help them travel around the East Riding.

The ‘freedom pass’ was introduced in October and to date 54 care leavers in East Riding have taken up the pass.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and young people said: “We have received some really good feedback from the young people who have used the passes, and it is having a positive impact on young people’s ability to access services, education and employment. Along with the financial benefits, it is also supporting them socially and emotionally.

“I’d encourage any care leavers who haven’t yet accessed a free pass, to do so.”

One of the young people using the freedom pass said: “Having a bus pass has been incredibly beneficial for me in many ways. Firstly, it has significantly reduced my transport costs, allowing me to travel without worrying about the price of fares. This has made it easier for me to get to university and work, ensuring I don’t miss out on opportunities. The convenience of having unlimited travel has encouraged me to explore more of my local area and being able to take my child to a range of different soft plays to encourage development. Overall, my bus pass has provided me with greater mobility and freedom.”

Another young person said: “The bus pass has really helped me. I may have only had it for a little while, but it’s helped me get out my flat. It’s also helped me save my money because without it I was paying £4 every day to get to college and that starts to add up.”

The pass can be used in East Riding and Hull, or for travel between the two areas. Working in partnership with East Yorkshire Buses and Stagecoach East Midlands, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council have introduced the Young Persons’ Freedom Pass using bus service improvement plan (BSIP) funding from the Department for Transport (DfT).