Hull City Council has announced it is increasing the amount of funding it puts towards a popular weekly discounted bus ticket for young people in the city.
The KAT Card was created by the council and the city’s bus operators, Stagecoach East Midlands and East Yorkshire, working with the Young People’s Parliament.
Unfortunately, due to rising operating costs, the price of a KAT Card was due to increase from £18.64 to £22. However, to keep the price down and continue to support and encourage those under the age of 20 to travel on public transport, the council made the decision to provide more funding towards the cost of the KAT Card scheme, which has allowed the price to be set at £20.
The KAT Card is a popular product, with between 45,000 and 52,000 sold every year.
The card is available to Hull residents only, and enables unlimited travel, on both operators’ buses across Hull, and surrounding areas, including -
- Wawne
- Cottingham
- Willerby
- Kirk Ella
- Anlaby
- Hessle
Tickets can be purchased on board or via each operator’s app.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said -
“We know household budgets remain under pressure, and when bus fares go up it can make it harder for young people to afford the journeys they need to make.
“That’s why we’ve stepped in with extra support for the KAT Card, limiting the increase and helping to keep bus travel affordable for young people getting to college, training, work or simply getting out and about.”
Matt Cranwell, managing director at Stagecoach East Midlands, said -
“We are delighted to be part of the KAT Card scheme which remains a great value option for young people, giving them independence, access to employment and education and increased opportunity for social interaction and connection to their community, which is essential for mental wellbeing.
“The ticket is available on the app, so it's even easier to plan your travel and store your tickets.”
Matt Kitchin, managing director of East Yorkshire, added -
“The KAT Card is a great example of partnership working to make bus travel more accessible for young people across Hull. Keeping fares affordable helps young people make the journeys that matter to them, whether that’s getting to college and work or simply getting out and about.
“We’re pleased to continue supporting the scheme and providing a simple, flexible way to travel across the network.”
The council's funding for the KAT Card scheme comes entirely through penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued to motorists who incorrectly use the city’s bus lanes during hours of operation.
Find out more about the KAT Card and other discounted bus travel products