North East Mayor expands free public transport access

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has announced several expansions to public transport accessibility in the region. Starting in April 2027, passengers with disabled bus passes and Gold Cards will be eligible for free travel at all times of the day on the Tyne and Wear Metro and the Shields Ferry. This change removes the previous requirement for disabled passengers to provide proof of employment or education to access all-day travel.

Additionally, the Mayor has confirmed the continuation of the Care Experienced Scheme. This initiative provides eligible 18 to 25-year-olds who have left local authority care with unlimited travel via a free Pop smart card. The card covers buses, the Tyne and Wear Metro, and the Shields Ferry. The scheme aims to reduce living costs and improve access to employment, training, and education for care-experienced young people.