Youth bus culture hope

A countywide concessionary fares scheme to encourage them to use the bus has been unveiled by the county council.

If it goes ahead, it will help tens of thousands of youngsters who currently do not qualify for free transport to school, as well as college students aged 16-19.

"The aim is to encourage a 'bus culture' among young people, and have a real impact on congestion by reducing the number of cars on the school run at peak times," said a council spokesman.

The cheap bus fares scheme, which would cost more than 1m a year, was one of several major new initiatives included in a draft 10 year transport plan for West Sussex due to start in April, 2006, he explained.

"The plan is still only at a provisional stage and will form the basis by which the government will decide how much money the council will get towards highway and transport schemes," the spokesman added.

Full story in West Sussex Gazette August 11.