Local students, Andrew and Emily Reston.
Translink has partnered with digital ID experts Yoti to introduce a new, digital travel ID card for school students aged 13 to 16, giving young people an easy way to provide proof of age.
The Translink Travel U16 Youth ID, which is safe and secure for young people to use, is free to download and acts as a reputable proof of age to enable young passengers to purchase child fares at 50% off standard bus and rail fares.
Brand Representative at Translink, Maeve Nethercott said:
“It is well recognised that using the bus or train to school provides children with independence, develops social skills and provides a safe, cost-effective mode of transport, not to mention reducing the traffic congestion at peak times.
"We also know that many young people are keen to play their part in addressing the climate emergency and that public transport is a really sustainable way to travel and reduce emissions, so taking the bus or train is a simple way to make a big difference.
“The Translink Travel U16 Youth ID card will make it even easier for young people to provide proof of age and benefit from cheaper travel, so we would encourage all 13-16 year olds to sign up and stay better connected to school and leisure activities.”
Using the digital travel ID card is simple, just visit translink.yoti.com where you will find links to download the app and a QR code to create your account on your smartphone and present the travelcard to the driver or conductor to receive the discounted fare.
The Translink Travel U16 Youth ID card will be accepted in addition to the existing Translink Proof of Age card that continues to be available at stations.
Users can download the Translink Travel Youth ID card from the Yoti app which is available on Google Play or the Apple App Store, and simply follow the steps to access their Translink Travel Youth ID card.
For aged 16-24, half price travel is available by signing up, free of charge, to Translink’s yLink card.
For more information and links to download the Yoti app, visit www.translink.co.uk/translinku16travelcard