Care-experienced young people across the North East will continue to benefit from free, unlimited public transport, after North East Mayor Kim McGuinness confirmed the continuation of her Care Experienced Scheme.
The mayor-backed and funded scheme gives 18 to 25-year-olds who have left local authority care a free Pop smart card, covering unlimited travel on buses, the Metro and the Shields Ferry across the region.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, said:
“The cost of living is hitting young people hard, especially those leaving care, who are far more likely to be managing on their own.
“By making travel completely free for those leaving care, we’re taking away one of the biggest everyday worries. It means those young people don’t have to think twice about getting to college, turning up for work, or attending a job interview because of the cost of transport.
“This is a promise I made in our regions Child Poverty Action Plan, and this is that promise being delivered—real help, making a real difference, right where it matters.”
At a time when rising living costs are putting pressure on young people’s finances, the scheme removes one of the most significant everyday expenses faced by young people leaving care.
Making travel free is not just about easing pressure on household budgets—it’s about making the North East a real home of opportunity, helping care experienced young people get to college, training and jobs, and strengthening our regional economy through talent and skills.
Since launching in 2023, the scheme has enabled over 122,000 journeys across all seven local authority areas, making it one of the most comprehensive travel offers for care experienced young adults anywhere in the country.
The scheme forms a key part of the Mayor’s commitments within the North East Child Poverty Action Plan, delivering practical, day‑to‑day support that helps young people manage costs while building independence and long‑term life chances.
Callum, who has been supported by Newcastle Councils Care Leaver Team, hailed the benefits of the free-travel initiative, saying:
“Personally for me, having a Pop card has been the most beneficial thing I own at the moment. Not only does it allow me to save money but it also allows me to be motivated to get out the house without being worried it will cost me.
“Because of that my mental heath has improved significantly and even when I’m down I can use the Pop card to go on a travel to clear my head.”
This takes further the Mayors ambition and commitment to make everyday travel affordable for all, building on The Mayor’s Fares which caps bus & rail costs at £1 for those Under 22, as well as seasonal initiatives such as Kids Go Free.
Eligible young people can apply for the Care Experienced Scheme through their local authority.
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