Translink responds to challenges facing young people in NI

With challenges including unemployment on the rise for students and young people, Translink has offered a helping hand by removing the £8 fee for the yLink travelcard and offering the Translink 24+ Student Railcard for free.

This latest development was delivered in partnership with the Translink Youth Forum which advocates for affordable and attractive travel options for young people.

Young people have been impacted negatively by the pandemic in many ways, including their education, social life and employment opportunities. With 7,000 fewer 16 to 24-year-olds in work here in the second quarter of 2020, compared to earlier in the year, this age group have been disproportionately affected by job losses during the Covid-19 pandemic.*

Whilst they are amongst the most resilient, they are also the hardest hit by the economic fallout and Translink wants to help support this group, who represent almost 1/3 of Translink passengers, to be able to use their services as a vital link to connect with friends, family and access education and employment.

The yLink card is available to all young people from the ages of 16 to 23 years, who can enjoy 1/3 off bus, Glider and rail travel and exclusive yLink offers at shops, cafes and entertainment venues across Northern Ireland. There are also discounts on cross border bus & rail services, helping young people to save on every public transport journey they make.

In addition, full time students aged 24 and above will be able to avail of the Translink 24+ Student Railcard for free, allowing them to enjoy 1/3 off single, day return, weekly and monthly tickets and up to 50% off Enterprise fares.

Safety on public transport continues to be Translink’s top priority, with all passengers reminded that wearing a face-covering on public transport is mandatory. Everyone is encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines when using services, wash or sanitise their hands frequently and use cash-free payment options.

Visit www.translink.co.uk/yLink to find out more about Translink’s yLink card and special discounts