School pupils urged to apply for free b_line card

Derbyshire school pupils are being urged to apply for a free b_line card, so they can take advantage of the county council's travel discount scheme.

Applications can now be made online, rather than the cards being available through schools and colleges.

You can order online at derbyshire.gov.uk/b_line

The b_line gives cut-price travel discount of up to 25 per cent for young people living in Derbyshire aged 11 up to 19 who are at school, college, on training courses or in an apprenticeship.

Cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure, Cllr Simon Spencer, said: “I’d urge all young people to apply for a card if they don’t have one as they can save money on bus or train journeys in Derbyshire.

“Young people starting Year 7 at secondary schools this September should all apply for the b_line1 card so that they can buy child tickets on local public transport.

“We know how valuable b_line is for our young people and even in these difficult financial times, we are committed to keeping it.”

There are two types of b_line card:

• An orange b_line1 card for 11-year-olds (in secondary school) up to their 16th birthday

• A purple b_line2 card for 16-year-olds up to their 19th birthday.

The b_line card gives  reduced fares on local buses and trains and to some nearby towns and cities as long as the journey is direct and starts or finishes in Derbyshire. 

The cards are free unless a replacement for a lost or damaged card. 

Replacement cards cost £5.

A b_line1 card can be used to prove a young person qualifies for a child fare or the bus or train company’s own discounted ticket. 

A b_line2 card gives up to 25 per cent off adult single and return fares and some saver tickets.