Free bus travel on offer to county apprentices

Thinksmart apprentice travel scheme, which offers a free bus pass to young residents taking part in an apprenticeship, launches this week.

The scheme has been set up to help young people into employment and support economic growth in Gloucestershire. 

With a Thinksmart travel card apprentices get 100 free bus journeys which can be taken in the county and to neighbouring towns served by direct bus services from Gloucestershire, such as Monmouth, Ross-on-Wye, Chepstow and Bristol.

Buses are fitted with Thinksmart technology so cards just need to be swiped getting on the bus, like an Oyster card.

Cllr Will Windsor Clive, Cabinet member with responsibility for transport said, “Skilled and well trained young people are vital to grow Gloucestershire’s economy and help it to flourish. I encourage local apprentices to take advantage of this new free travel offer.”

Cllr Lesley Williams, leader of the Labour Group, who put forward the Thinksmart apprentice travel scheme at a county council meeting earlier this year said, “I’m grateful to the employers, colleges and bus companies who’ve worked together with the county council to enable us to offer this fantastic opportunity. The Thinksmart card will remove one of the barriers that prevent young people accepting an apprenticeship.”

Lorna Fizor, apprentice at the county council said, “This bus pass will be great for me; it makes an already incredible opportunity even more amazing.  I can’t drive and I live in Cheltenham, so travelling to work in Gloucester by bus is essential for me. I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship so far, there’s a lot to learn but I’m getting the hang of it.”

Michelle Cant from Gloucestershire College said, “Being an apprentice gives young people the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification and develop professional skills, while earning a starting salary, inside some of Gloucestershire’s best companies; but travel costs can mount up – free travel to support our apprentices in getting to college and into work is great news.”

Local apprentices can now apply online at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/thinksmartapprentice.