Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council are working in partnership to deliver Nottinghamshire U22, a new ticketing price point on buses and trams across the county offering student prices to all young people aged under 22.
The scheme aims to support young people who don’t benefit from student-only discounts by improving access to travel for work, leisure and study.
Under-22 tickets are now available to purchase online, at travel centres, via operator apps and at tram stop machines. Purchasing options vary by bus or tram company so you’re advised to check with your operator before travelling.
Councillor Angela Kandola, Nottingham City Council Portfolio Holder for Transport, said: “Nottingham is a young city, and we want all our young people to be able to access everything this amazing city has to offer. It’s great that students receive subsidised travel while they are studying, but other young people will now benefit from these prices too with Nottinghamshire U22.
“When we were developing our Bus Service Improvement Plan, we wanted to think holistically about our transport offer and improving access for young people is a key part of this. It’s a difficult time to be a young person as the pandemic had a major impact on this generation’s access to employment, study and leisure at a critical time in their lives.
“Improving access to travel opens up so many opportunities, whilst also boosting the use of bus services, and I’m proud we’re able to support that.”
Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Nottingham City Council to offer young people between the ages of 19 and 22 a cheaper way to travel across the county and city.
“The new ticket means young people will be able to get around by bus and tram for the same price as students, helping them access employment, education, leisure and many more opportunities at a reduced price.
“We know not everyone between the ages of 19 and 22 is a student and, while the ticket offers for students are great news for those in education, we wanted to widen the offer to everyone between the ages of 19 and 22.
“This initiative is just one of the ways we’re making improvements to public transport in Nottinghamshire through our Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), and I look forward to hearing about the benefits it will undoubtedly have for young people using it.”
Roads Minister Richard Holden said, “People up and down the country deserve a clean, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we’ve provided Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council with over £30 million combined to boost its bus services.
“Supporting the Councils with this new scheme is fantastic for young people across the region, who will now be able to get to work, attend medical appointments and visit loved ones more easily and for less money.”
Funding was secured by a bid from both councils to the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) – a grant from central government to improve bus services across the city region. This scheme follows Nottingham City Council’s scheme to support young people leaving care with free travel, which is also supported by BSIP funding.
To qualify, young people must be between ages 19 and 21 and have proof of a Nottinghamshire address. In most instances, bus tickets must be pre-purchased and won’t be available on-board. All tram tickets must be purchased before boarding.
Tickets will be available online, at travel centres, via selected operator apps and at tram stop machines. Under 22 tickets will be available until March 2025, when the scheme will be reviewed.
For more information, please contact your bus operator or NET.