MP hails student train ticket victory
South Lakes MP Tim Farron has hailed a "massive win" for local 6th Form students as Northern have agreed to introduce a discount season ticket scheme for those travelling to school on the train.
Northern, the contractor which runs the Lakes Line and the Furness Line, has finally given in to months of pressure from Tim to introduce a discounted season ticket scheme for 6th Formers. A student discount scheme had previously been in place but was scrapped last summer.
The new scheme will provide season ticket discounts for 16-18 year olds who use the trains to go to local schools. It will be trialled for the 2017 spring and summer terms. For the duration of the trial, students aged 16-18 will be eligible for a 25% discount on their season tickets.
Tim has repeatedly pushed Northern to introduce this scheme, and has also raised the issue in parliament.
Tim said: "This is a massive victory for local students, who will now save hundreds of pounds on the costs of school travel. Students should not have their education choices dictated by costs. This decision will make a real difference to students who use the Lakes Line and Furness Line to travel to 6th Form.
"I'd like to thank everyone who has supported my campaign for discounted student travel. This announcement shows that that this pressure has paid off. My thanks go to Northern for listening to these concerns and agreeing to introduce this scheme."