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The NCT under 16's smart travel card is to be relaunched this summer with a new name and a reduced price. Currently known as Easyrider child, it is to be renamed Easyrider <16 following research results which indicated that the name did not appeal to teenagers. The card will look very similar to the current Easyrider child card which will continue to be valid on the network, and will operate in the same way.
The Easyrider <16 card is an under 16's discounted travel card that allows unlimited journeys in the NCT “City Area” on NCT bus and NET tram services. It is a consecutive day's travel card which can be renewed at the NCT Travel Centre, or by phone, post, internet and direct debit.
The Easyrider <16 becomes even better value from 18th July 2005 with the 7 day price being reduced from £8 to £7.50 for 7 consecutive days travel, with a new option to pay by direct debit at £24 per month, as well as discounts for longer periods of travel.
This will mean that for many students using the NCT network to travel to their place of study that they will enjoy free weekend travel for the price of their weekday travel. They will also have peace of mind knowing they have a guaranteed paid return ticket, with no need for the correct change, or indeed money at all to make their journey home.
Under 16’s, using more than 1 NCT bus to complete their journey, travelling on a NCT Child Cityrider at £1.50, are advised to obtain a NCT Easyrider <16 smartcard to make future journeys at no additional cost next term, as the NCT child cityrider ticket is to be withdrawn from Sunday 4th September 2005 following extensive levels of abuse and misuse.
Anyone making a single leg journey each way will be unaffected financially by the withdrawal of the Cityrider child ticket, as the child single fare is 75p, making a return journey £1.50. However, students and parents may wish to consider this card to enjoy the benefits described above.
Barrie Burch, Commercial Manager for NCT stated “Sadly, the behaviour of a small minority spoils things for the majority, NCT do not wish to penalise most under 16 year olds who use our network to travel to and from school, sensibly and correctly. We have therefore, made alternative ticketing arrangements from this date, to ensure they are not out of pocket as a result of this decision”.
He continued “I therefore recommend that all under 16 year old passengers making regular journeys on NCT service buses, visit the NCT travel centre in the Old Market Square during the summer to obtain an Easyrider <16 card, to use during the summer ready for next term”.
All Easyrider <16 card holders will also receive an introductory pack containing information about the NCT network, plus advice about how to use buses safely, as well as a NCT “safemark wristband”. Holders of the Easyrider <16 card can also opt to receive NCT newsletters advising of any changes to services.
NCT have notified all Headmasters at City and County schools, supplying them with leaflets about the new Easyrider <16 card for all existing and potential users of the NCT and NET network next term.
Anyone requiring further information about Easyrider <16 travel cards should visit the NCT Travel Centre in the Old Market Square, call 0115 950 60 70 or visit www.nctx.co.uk.
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