New initiative to give care leavers across Merseyside free access to public transport 

Mayor Steve Rotheram today launched a new initiative giving care leavers free access to public transport across the Liverpool City Region.

The Care Leavers MetroCard is available to around 1,500 care leavers aged between 18 and 21 years old from across the city region’s five boroughs and city and is designed to ensure that people leaving the care system have access to opportunities and are not left behind.

With unrestricted travel on the city region’s buses, train and ferries, the MetroCard will help care leavers to continue their education, employment, and social activities without the barrier of transport costs.

It’s also designed to increase independence and reduce isolation.

Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said: 

“Young people leaving care often face difficulties settling into their adult lives. We know that access to free travel can have a hugely positive impact on their ability to connect with opportunity, and experience some of those things we take for granted – like shopping or getting to appointments.

“We already have the most generous concessionary scheme in the country, and the Care Leavers MetroCard is a vital part of our commitment to ensuring that young people who have left the care system are not left behind.

“This pass will give them the freedom they need to explore opportunities, access education, and socialise – all key aspects of building a successful and fulfilling life. I’m incredibly proud that we’re able to offer this support to young people as they move forward with the next chapter of their lives.

Mayor Rotheram launched the Care Leavers MetroCard at Liverpool’s Central Station where he was met by care leavers who had received their free pass in recent days.

They spoke of the difference it would make to their lives.

Tyler Preistley said:

“I now have the freedom I need to be able to socialise and travel – it’s such an important part of my life.

“Being able to go anywhere without worrying about transport costs has opened up so many new opportunities for me. It makes a real difference to my daily life and has taken away so much of the financial stress associated with using public transport.

“I feel privileged to be one of the first people to experience this new initiative.”

Access to the Care Leavers Travel Pass is arranged automatically through their Local Authority as the young persona reaches their 18^th birthday.

Find out more information on the Liverpool City Region Combined authority website.

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