27th October 2008

Over 100 young people from across the North West are today meeting with heads of bus companies to lobby for a youth transport concession card. Members of Youth Parliament have organised the event to enable young people to put forward the case for cheaper and more accessible public transport in the North West.

Transport providers, local authority transport officers and Government Office North West are expected to attend.

A UK Youth Parliament survey of over 4000 young people has found that 83% of young people have said they would use more public transport if it was cheaper and 95% of young people support a youth concession card for free or cheaper travel on public transport.

Nafisah Atccha, 18 years-old, Member of Youth Parliament for Bolton, said,

“Young people in the North West are very reliant on transport. It allows us to socialise and gives us access to education. This is why today’s event is so important. It highlights the needs of young people and it also gives us a chance to talk to the bus companies directly.

“I feel this will be an event to remember and it is the forefront for communication between young people and bus companies. I am very excited and looking forward to make a huge impact for a UK Youth Parliament campaign.”