Newcastle Youth Council has received a number of complaints from young people in education saying they have been unable to access promised cheaper Metro travel.

Nexus, the body responsible for setting Metro fares, announced at the end of last year that it would "ensure" that 16-18 year olds in education would be able to travel at half the price of an adult fare from 1st January. However, young people are reporting to us that they are still having to pay full fare.

We contacted Nexus to find out what the situation was.

We were told that half-price tickets are NOT available at Metro ticket machines - which is where all of the young people we have spoken to tried to get their tickets from. Those wanting to take advantage of the half-price discount need to buy either a weekly or four-weekly Metro Student Card, available from Nexus TravelShops. To claim one of these, you need to produce your student ID and a passport-sized photo and be under 19 on 31st August 2012.

The price of a weekly pass is £9.50 and the price of a four-weekly pass is £32. These passes can be renewed online any time you need one, which will mean a further 10% discount, reducing the prices to £8.55 and £28.20 respectively.

More details can be found on the Nexus website.

Many thanks to the young people who have been in touch with the Youth Council about this matter. Remember, if you have any problems with transport (buses, Metro, taxi, cycling, or pedestrian issues), please let the Youth Council know. The Youth Council is seeking a new deal for young people on transport and is always keen to hear your views.

Photo courtesy of freefoto.com. Taken by Ian Britton.