YOUNG people in West Sussex have lost the 3-in-1 travel card and its benefits after the scheme was discontinued on January 1.

West Sussex County Council says it has worked with bus operators to lessen the impact of the loss in 2017. The 3-in-1 card scheme, which offered savings on bus travel for young people aged five to 19, ended on December 31.

A council spokesman said: “The card is discontinuing due to changes in national legislation, local policy, and to help fill a funding shortfall this year. The county council held discussions with bus operators, schools and colleges about future travel concessions.”

Most pupils and students from 16-19 will not have to pay a full adult fare because each bus operator is offering its own individual discount.

The discounts on offer from this month (January) include Stagecoach discounted Termrider and Unirider tickets for school and college students. It also has a child discount of 33 per cent off adult fares and offers a weekly student rate Megarider Gold. Sussex Coaches has student discounts available on most services. The discount is not available on N8 or 68 services.

County council member for transport, Bob Lanzer, said: “We would like to thank all the bus operators for their co-operation in putting together this series of offers.

“This goes some way to help mitigate the impact of the withdrawal of the 3in1 card on New Year’s Eve.

“Extra help is also available for low income students aged 16-19, who can apply for assistance with travel costs through the 16-19 Bursary Fund.

“You can ask your school or college for further information.”

The council is also providing financial help for a specific group of low income card holders up to 16 (school year 11 or below), who will be contacted directly.

All 3in1 card holders with a card that expires in January 2017 or later will be part-refunded.

The council has a statutory duty to provide free school travel if a child is aged five to 16 and:

• They attend their catchment area school (or nearest suitable school

• Live two or more miles away (if child is under eight) or three or more miles away (if child is over eight).

Low income families can get free school travel if:–

• A child is eight or over, attends their catchment or nearest primary school and lives two or more miles away.

• A child is 11-16, attends a secondary school that is one of three suitable schools closest to home, and is between two and six miles away – or

• A child attends their nearest suitable school on grounds of religion or belief, provided it’s between two and 15 miles away from home.

For more information visit the websites of Stagecoach and Sussex Coaches or call 0345 121 0190 for the former and 01403 741976 for the latter.