Posted on Wednesday 23rd November 2011
Alex Hylton (YAK member), Radio 5 Live’s Nicky Campbell who hosted the event, and Jack Bourne (Chair of YAK)
An innovative travel scheme aimed at young people in Staffordshire has scooped a top national award.
Staffordshire County Council’s ‘Your Staffordshire Card’ came first in the Transport and Mobility category in The Guardian Public Service Awards 2011.
Highways and Transport lead Mike Maryon teamed up with the Youth Action Kouncil (YAK) to create the travel scheme.
The card, described as "bold and innovative" by the judging panel, was launched in April. It makes it easier for young people to access education, training and employment.
It allows 11-19-year-olds who live in Staffordshire to either start or end their bus journey within the county council’s boundary for the bargain price of £1.
Some of the youngsters involved in the scheme attended the awards ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel Park Lane in London last night (November 22).
Chairman of YAK Jack Bourne, aged 17, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Your Staffordshire Card has won this award. YAK worked very closely with the county council to get the scheme up and running and it has proved to be a major success.
“Young people are facing some tough times so it is great that the county council is giving us a helping hand to get to work, school and training as well as social activities. It is making a real difference in people’s lives which is a positive result for the whole of Staffordshire.
“The Your Staffordshire Card is a great example of the county council listening to the views of young people and acting upon them.”
County Councillor Mike Maryon, Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, added: “Winning this title is a major coup for the county. The Your Staffordshire Card was up against some stiff competition and to be recognised at a national level at such a prestigious awards ceremony is an incredible achievement.
“In Staffordshire we are very keen to support our young people and want to ensure that they are giving the best possible start in life. The aim of the scheme was to open doors for them by making it easier and cheaper to get around. It helps to boost the local economy by giving young people the means to access opportunities that will ultimately give them a brighter future.”
To apply for a Your Staffordshire Card visit www.yourstaffordshirecard.info, |, apply in person at your local library (with a parent if you are under 16) or call 0300 111 8000 and ask for an application form.
The discounted fare automatically applies to children under the age of 11 which means that tens of thousands of children and young people are travelling on Staffordshire’s buses for just £1.