New Tees Pass drives support for care leavers

A new travel initiative in the Tees Valley is helping young people leaving care to stay connected and access greater opportunities.

The Tees Pass, funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), will provide free bus travel to care leavers across the region until the age of 25. 

Launching on November 17, the pass aims to make it easier for young adults to travel for work, education and social activities.

The scheme was developed following a request from the leaders of the region’s five local authorities and builds on existing transport support, including the £1 fare cap for under 22s.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “Every young person in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool deserves a fair shot at the new jobs, training and education opportunities on their doorstep, and being able to get around easily is key to making that happen.

“With Tees Pass, we’re making it easier for care leavers to access new opportunities, particularly given we know the financial and social challenges they can often face moving into adulthood.

“We know the £1 fare cap has done a lot to help thousands of our young people get around since its launch, and this combined with Tees Pass shows we’re serious about helping all our young people access more routes into work, education and training.”

Middlesbrough mayor Chris Cooke added: “Providing free travel for care leavers is a simple and straightforward move which will have a big impact on hundreds of lives.

“Young people who leave care face so many challenges and it’s good we’re working together to remove as many obstacles as possible.”

Funded through the Department for Transport’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, the initiative is being delivered in partnership with local councils to ensure all eligible care leavers receive their pass, helping remove transport barriers and improve access to opportunities across the Tees Valley.

Councillor Steve Harker, leader of Darlington Borough Council and TVCA cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, added: “We want the transport network across Tees Valley to work for as many people as possible. 

“Ensuring our care leavers have free travel is another important part of us improving what we have to offer. 

“I’m pleased our call for action has been backed and is finally being put into action.”

Councillor Lisa Evans, leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and TVCA cabinet member for education, employment and skills, added: “The new bus pass for care leavers is a very welcome addition and coincides nicely with the opening of our brand new ‘No Limits Hub’, which is a one-stop-shop for care leavers in the Stockton-on-Tees Borough.

“We know care leavers can have a particularly daunting time when making the transition into adulthood, so having the access to bus travel will make a really positive difference and can help with employment opportunities too.

“It’s currently Care Leavers’ Month and it’s fantastic to be able to shine a light on and celebrate our care leavers.”

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