MP makes case in parliament for affordable student travel

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has made the case in parliament for affordable student travel, highlighting the plight of students in rural areas like South Lakeland that face exorbitant costs and a lack of transport options.

Earlier this summer, Northern announced that it was removing student season tickets from the Lakes Line for post-16 students, meaning that the cost of school transport has quadrupled this year for some Sixth Formers in Kendal. A rail pass from Windermere which would have cost around £250 now costs over £1000.

Tim has this week presented a petition in parliament from over 300 concerned constituents, protesting against this move. Tim is hoping to keep the pressure up on Northern and eventually secure a better deal for students.

Tim said: "Young people have to be in education or training until the age of 18, yet for rural students this means taking a financial hit simply to get to where they need to be.

"The removal of student season tickets for post-16 students has not only hit those travelling on the Lakes Line into Kendal, but also those using the Furness Line to travel to Lancaster, Ulverston or Barrow.

"I will continue to put pressure on Northern to review their decision to scrap cheap travel for Sixth Form students.

"The government must also do far more to support young people so that even those in rural areas have access to affordable transport options."