Give South Lakes young people a 'fare' deal, says Farron

4.21.00pm GMT Tue 10th Mar 2009

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has asked the Department of Transport to the help thousands of young people in his constituency by introducing a concessionary bus fare scheme for all young adults in South Lakeland.

The dispersed nature of the area means young people are often left disconnected from employment opportunities and other key services. Tim has tabled a written question in parliament asking the Government to build on the success of the national concessionary bus fare scheme by introducing a pilot programme to provide cheaper bus travel for young adults in South Lakeland.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"Whilst at times extremely challenging for tax payers, the national concessionary bus fare scheme has provided cheaper travel for many of the older population in South Lakeland, but also for some of the 5million tourists who come and visit the lakes each year.

"There are however, still thousands of younger people in South Lakeland who are left increasingly disconnected from vital services by the cost of local travel. It is often difficult for people, particularly young people, who live in remote rural areas to get to work.

"Those without car are left with little option but to pay for the bus. It would offer some real encouragement to the young adults of South Lakeland if the Government would agree to consider my proposal to establish a pilot programme of concessionary bus fares in Westmorland and Lonsdale."