History was made on January 26 when for the first time two teenagers presented a motion to Reading Borough Council, a motion chosen by young people and asking for cheaper bus fares for under-18s, and better information too.
The motion was welcomed by Tony Page Lead Councillor for Transport & Planning welcomed the motion and explained that the Council had already asked for £4M for cheaper bus fares for all in full-time education in the TIF (Transport Innovation Fund) bid it had submitted to the Government.
He added he had discussed the bid with Transport Minister Sajid Khan the previous week, that the Minister had been very positive about it, and the Council hoped to get a decision within the next few weeks.
Cllr. Page says: "I and my Labour colleagues fully support the idea of lower bus fares for young people.
"That would not only make it easier for them to travel round and benefit from everything Reading has to offer, it would also get them into the habit of using public transport, and it would reduce pressure on parents to act as taxi drivers and take cars of the roads.
"Cheaper fares have been a feature of many of the discussions we have had with the Youth Cabinet over recent years, which is why we included it in our TIF bid, and which is why I was able to respond so positively and optimistically to the motion the young people brought forward. I very much hope we are able to make it happen soon."
|
