§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many travel companies have so far pledged to offer concessions to those benefiting from the New Deal for young unemployed; and what plans he has to extend this service to other target groups. [57144]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithThe Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) have agreed to offer reduced fares to participants of New Deal for the230W 18–24 age group nationally. They will consider extending this to New Deal participants aged 25 and over once they have reviewed the 18–24 scheme.
There are a further 218 national and local agreements in place with bus and coach companies offering reduced fares for young people on New Deal. Of these, 95 have signed agreements to extend this facility to New Deal clients aged 25 and over. Negotiations are taking place regionally to extend agreements further for New Deal 25 plus.