SCHOOL SERVICES

Translink is working with digital ID experts Yoti to introduce a new FREE digital travelcard for school students aged 13 and over.

As well as offering reduced fares on all Translink bus and rail services, there are some great reasons to get your digital travelcard:

• It is safe and secure
• It cannot be lost or stolen – you can always download the Yoti app to your phone
• It is easy to use – simply open the Yoti app and show your travelcard to the driver or conductor on any Translink bus or train
• By using a digital travelcard, you can reduce paper waste

Translink and the Education Authority (EA) have announced they will be issuing new bus and rail smartcards for eligible school pupils and further education students for their home to school or college journeys, with important changes taking effect from September 2024.

In advance of the new school term, new smartcards will be issued and pupils and FE students will be required to electronically validate their new smartcards on each journey. This is done by tapping the card on a Translink ticket machine, reader, or gate.

This development aims to enhance the overall safety and effectiveness of bus and rail travel for schoolchildren and FE students across Northern Ireland. Not only does this streamline the boarding process, but it also helps young people with their independence while highlighting the key environmental and health benefits of using public transport, including reduced carbon emissions, reduced road congestion, cleaner air and active travel.

Each smartcard will contain the pupil's name, boarding and alighting location, and the name of their school. There are no changes to the duty of care requirements, and any pupil who forgets or loses their smartcard, will still be allowed to travel.