Free travel for all young adult carers across Tyne and Wear

The council and transport partners have come together to offer young adults with caring responsibilities free travel across the Metro, bus, and ferry.

This free travel card, the first of its kind in the country, will give young adult carers aged 16-25 years old a season ticket which will give them free travel on all local public transport in Tyne and Wear. The pass will remain valid until March 2026 or until the young person’s 26th birthday, whichever comes first.

Young adult carers have highlighted the impact travel costs can have on their wellbeing and the opportunity for them to attend education, training, and work, and enable them to socialise with friends and family. In response the Evry plan, the council’s innovative plan to support the city’s young people, has partnered with transport providers to offer this additional support.

Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader, Newcastle City Council said: “Listening to and addressing the needs of our children and young people is a key priority for us. Our young carers and young adult carers do an amazing job, and we are proud to support this latest project which will give them the opportunity to access education, training and employment as well as socialise with their friends and family.”

Luke Bramhall, Chief Executive Officer, Newcastle Carers: “We are delighted that young carers and young adult carers will be able to access free travel. Caring for someone can be incredibly demanding and often restricts young people's ability to get out and about, including access to vital education and employment. We wholeheartedly support the Travel Card scheme, and at Newcastle Carers, we will support young people with caring responsibilities to access it so they can thrive in Newcastle.”

Those who are eligible can find out more information and apply for a free Travel Card, via the Newcastle Carers website, Young Adult Carers | Free Travel Card - Newcastle Carers