MAYOR Steve Rotheram today launched a new initiative giving care leavers free access to public transport across the Liverpool City Region.

The Care Leavers MetroCard is available to around 1,500 care leavers aged between 18 and 21 years old from across the City region’s 5 boroughs and City and is designed to ensure that people leaving the care system have access to opportunities and are not left behind.

With unrestricted travel on the City region’s buses, train and ferries, the MetroCard will help care leavers to continue their education, employment, and social activities without the barrier of transport costs.

It’s also designed to increase independence and reduce isolation.

Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said:- “Young people leaving care often face difficulties settling into their adult lives. We know that access to free travel can have a hugely positive impact on their ability to connect with opportunity, and experience some of those things we take for granted – like shopping or getting to appointments. We already have the most generous concessionary scheme in the country, and the Care Leavers MetroCard is a vital part of our commitment to ensuring that young people who have left the care system are not left behind. This pass will give them the freedom they need to explore opportunities, access education, and socialise – all key aspects of building a successful and fulfilling life. I’m incredibly proud that we’re able to offer this support to young people as they move forward with the next chapter of their lives.”

Mayor Rotheram launched the Care Leavers MetroCard at Liverpool’s Central Station where he was met by care leavers who had received their free pass in recent days.

They spoke of the difference it would make to their lives.

Tyler Preistley said:- “I now have the freedom I need to be able to socialise and travel – it’s such an important part of my life. Being able to go anywhere without worrying about transport costs has opened up so many new opportunities for me. It makes a real difference to my daily life and has taken away so much of the financial stress associated with using public transport. I feel privileged to be one of the first people to experience this new initiative.”

Bekie Mariel said:- “I love the travel pass. It’s amazing to have the freedom to get around whenever I need to, whether it’s for college or just spending time with my friends. Before, I would be saving each week to have enough to go and visit friends on the other side of the City, now I can get there for free whenever I want – I have so much freedom. I can even go on the Mersey Ferry. I’m excited, as I’ve never been on a ferry before.”

The Care Leavers MetroCard is a vital tool to support young care leavers as they transition to adulthood. By offering free access to public transport during day and night, the initiative ensures care leavers can stay connected, pursue educational and career opportunities, and become more integrated into their local communities.

Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Councillor Marion Atkinson, agreed:- “We want to be able to support our young people, and it speaks volumes of the Combined Authority and the 6 districts, that we can work together and support young people, helping them find easier access to jobs and education through accessible transport. But it’s not just about that, we also want them to go out and have fun without worrying about how they’ll get around. And we can offer them that.”

Access to the Care Leavers Travel Pass is arranged automatically through their Local Authority as the young persona reaches their 18th birthday.