HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Geoffrey Robinson unveils cheap coach and bus fares for the young and unemployed looking for work [March 1998]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 30 March 1998.

Young unemployed people who are participating in the Government’s New Deal are to benefit from cheap local coach and bus fares when looking for work, Paymaster General Geoffrey Robinson announced today. The initiative is endorsed by the major coach and bus companies around the country.

Under the new initiative, to complement the New Deal, young unemployed people will be able to take advantage of up to a 50 per cent discount in coach and bus fares across the country to reduce the cost of public transport during the search for work. The discount will also apply during the four New Deal options; subsidised employment, work in the voluntary sector, a job on the environmental taskforce or full-time education and training.

Mr Robinson was in Manchester to launch cheap coach and bus fares across the UK in the week prior to the national expansion of the New Deal which aims to increase the employability of 18-24 year olds who have been unemployed for at least six months.

Mr Robinson said:

“This cut price travel scheme shows that the Government is determined to leave no stone unturned in making it easier for young people to look for work.

“The story of young people declining to attend interviews because they could not afford the fares can now be a thing of the past. Cheap travel and the prospect of a job under the New Deal is what young people want. This is great news for young people in search of work.

“I pay tribute to all those coach and bus companies who have shown the imagination to sign up to this scheme. This will stimulate job opportunity, generate increased coach and bus travel and increase the scope for job fulfilment.”

New Deal Minister Andrew Smith said:

“This means a New Deal job ticket for the young unemployed. I am delighted that so many transport companies are backing the New Deal with concessionary fares for the young.”

Under the initiative First Group, Arriva, Stagecoach, National Express and Go-Ahead Group have all joined with the Confederation of Passenger Transport in participating in the Government’s New Deal programme.

Speaking for the industry, Trevor Smallwood, OBE, Executive Chairman of First Group said:

“First Group welcomes the Government’s New Deal initiative.

Agreements have already been reached at local level on reduced fares and First Group is also actively pursuing the opportunities presented by New Deal to offer employment to people currently seeking work.

“I would like to pay tribute to the role played by the Paymaster General and in particular the way he has worked closely with the bus industry to promote schemes that benefit not only the industry, but actively stimulate the national economy.”

Mr Gordon Hodgson, Chief Executive of Arriva said:

“Cheaper bus travel for New Dealers will mean that more people will be able to get to more interviews for more jobs and the Arriva Group is pleased to play its part.”

Brian Souter, Chairman and Chief Executive of Stagecoach said:

“Stagecoach is pleased to play its part in the Government’s New Deal initiative. We look forward to working with the Government to open up new career opportunities for many unemployed people as well as assisting with their travel through our discounted bus fares scheme.”

Phil White, Chief Executive, National Express said:

“New Deal will give opportunities to people to enter the employment market that they have never had before. I am proud that National Express is able to play a full part in bringing this initiative forward.”

Chris Moyes, Commercial Director, Go-Ahead Group plc said:

“New Deal will open up new employment opportunities and Go- Ahead is glad to play its part.”