£1 bus fare for young people

Council launches £1 bus fare for young people across Cheshire East

Cheshire East Council has launched an enhanced bus saver pass for young people aged 16-19, offering a £1 flat fare for single journeys across the borough.

The 16-19 Bus Saver card now offers single bus fares for just 1 and is valid on local bus services for journeys that start and/or finish within Cheshire East at any time.

Care leavers (young people and adults aged 16-22) across Cheshire East are also entitled to the pass, which will provide them with free travel on local bus services.

The scheme is supported by the government-funded Bus Service Improvement Plan developed for the Department for Transport, to support increased bus services and passenger numbers within the borough.

To receive their pass, young people can apply online via the Cheshire East Council website, to confirm proof of identity and age. The only qualifier other than age is that they are a Cheshire East resident.

A smartcard pass will be sent to them, which they will need to present on the bus each time they travel to receive their £1 single fare. Care leavers will receive free travel on presenting their pass to drivers.

Passes are valid until 31 October 2026 or the day before the pass holder's 20th birthday. In the case of care leavers, the day before their 22nd birthday.

The scheme is being delivered by the Cheshire East Bus Partnership, and all bus operators providing services in the borough are taking part, with the intention of encouraging more people to travel by bus.

Apply for a 16-19 bus saver card.