A new pass to ensure care leavers across our region can access free bus travel is now ready for launch.
The Tees Valley Mayor and agreed to fund free bus travel passes for those leaving the care system earlier this year.
Tees Pass will be operational from Monday, 17 November, allowing card-holding care leavers to access free bus travel until age 25.
The development of Tees Pass followed a request by the leaders of Tees Valley’s five last year.
also provides funding to ensure fares are capped at £1 for under 22s in the region.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Every young person in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool deserves a fair shot at the new jobs, training and education opportunities on their doorstep, and being able to get around easily is key to making that happen.
“With Tees Pass, we’re making it easier for care leavers to access new opportunities, particularly given we know the financial and social challenges they can often face moving into adulthood.
“We Know the £1 fare cap has done a lot to help thousands of our young people get around since its launch, and this combined with Tees Pass shows we’re serious about helping all our young people access more routes into work, education and training.”
Funding for Tees Pass is provided by the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) which comes via the Department for Transport.
Tees Valley Combined Authority is working with local authorities to ensure all care leavers receive the pass.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “Providing free travel for care leavers is a simple and straightforward move which will have a big impact on hundreds of lives.
“Young people who leave care face so many challenges and it’s good we’re working together to remove as many obstacles as possible.”
Cllr Steve Harker, Leader of Darlington Borough Council and for Transport and added: “We want the transport network across Tees Valley to work for as many people as possible.
“Ensuring our care leavers have free travel is another important part of us improving what we have to offer. I’m pleased our call for action has been backed and is finally being put into action.”
Cllr Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and TVCA Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, said: “The new bus pass for care leavers is a very welcome addition and coincides nicely with the opening of our brand new ‘No Limits Hub’, which is a one-stop-shop for care leavers in the Stockton-on-Tees Borough.
“We know care leavers can have a particularly daunting time when making the transition into adulthood, so having the access to bus travel will make a really positive difference and can help with employment opportunities too.
“It’s currently Care Leavers’ Month and it’s fantastic to be able to shine a light on and celebrate our care leavers.”
Cllr Pamela Hargreaves, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and TVCA Cabinet Member for Creative Place, added: “We value our young people, we believe in their potential and we’re committed to breaking down the barriers they face.
“This introduction of free bus travel for care leavers isn’t just important – it’s an absolute lifeline, and for many of them this will mean the difference between isolation and opportunity.
“It’s a crucial step that will help care leavers access education, employment and the support networks they need to thrive.”
Cllr Alec Brown, Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and TVCA Cabinet Member for Business Growth and , added: “This new Tees Pass is a vital step forward in helping care leavers across our region access the opportunities they deserve.
“Whether it’s getting to college, starting a new job, or attending training, free bus travel removes a major barrier and will open doors for many young people.”
Steve Walker, Stagecoach Managing Director for the North East, said: “Our bus services are a convenient, accessible and way to travel round the Tees Valley region – so it’s fantastic that care leavers will now be able to access them until the age of 25 as part of this scheme.”
A spokesperson for Arriva added: “Arriva are happy to be part of this scheme to help enrich the lives of care leavers and enable them to travel for work and leisure opportunities.”
Archive : Originally published by Tees Valley Combined Authority on 2025-11-11. The original publication date and featured image have been preserved.