Young people in the North East who have been in the care system will continue to benefit from free, unlimited public transport across the region. Mayor Kim McGuinness has confirmed the continuation of her Care Experienced Scheme, which aims to alleviate cost-of-living pressures and create opportunities for this group.
Scheme details and support
The scheme, supported and funded by the Mayor, offers 18 to 25-year-olds who have left local authority care a free Pop smart card. This card allows for unlimited travel on buses, the Metro, and the Shields Ferry throughout the region.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “The cost of living is hitting young people hard, especially those leaving care, who are far more likely to be managing on their own.
"By making travel completely free for those leaving care, we’re taking away one of the biggest everyday worries. It means those young people don’t have to think twice about getting to college, turning up for work, or attending a job interview because of the cost of transport.
"This is a promise I made in our region's Child Poverty Action Plan, and this is that promise being delivered—real help, making a real difference, right where it matters."
Impact and reach
As living costs continue to rise, many young people are facing financial pressures. In response, this scheme addresses one of the biggest everyday expenses for young people transitioning out of care by providing free travel.
Making travel free is not only a way to alleviate the strain on household budgets, but also a hope that it will help push North East residents towards further opportunities. It supports care-experienced young people in accessing college, training, and job opportunities, ultimately contributing to the growth of our regional economy by developing talent and skills.
Since its launch in 2023, the scheme has facilitated over 122,000 journeys across all seven local authority areas, positioning it as one of the most comprehensive travel offers for care-experienced young adults in the country.
Personal testimony and next steps
Callum, who has been supported by Newcastle Council's Care Leaver Team, hailed the benefits of the free-travel initiative, saying: “Personally, for me, having a Pop card has been the most beneficial thing I own at the moment. Not only does it allow me to save money, but it also allows me to be motivated to get out the house without being worried it will cost me.
"Because of that, my mental health has improved significantly, and even when I’m down, I can use the Pop card to go on a trip to clear my head.”
The travel scheme builds on the Mayor’s Fares initiative, which caps bus and rail costs at £1 for those under 22, along with seasonal programs like Kids Go Free. Eligible young people can apply for the Care Experienced Scheme through their local authority.
