The cost of travel is an important factor in encouraging pupils to travel by bus rather than by car. But there are considerable variations in the reductions offered, the hours they apply and the upper age limit to eligibility. Discrepancies can lead to conflict between young people and drivers so authorities and operators should co-ordinate schemes or introduce identity cards to prove entitlement.
Some young people resent having to show proof of age.
A good way of ensuring that they use their ID cards and do not misplace them is to add value and desirability. For example, cardholders could gain additional discounts on non-school journeys, receive free magazines or savings in local retail outlets. 4.4 Season tickets can be an important means of guaranteeing revenue that will generally outweigh the associated fare discounts and administrative costs. They must be well publicised and easy to purchase. Tickets may be sold weekly, monthly, termly and yearly, and typically they offer savings of 30 to 50 per cent off the equivalent single fare.