A child bus fare scheme has been extended for an extra five years and will help more people.

Trips to school, college and even work will continue to be much cheaper for young people aged between 16 and 20 as they will qualify for the child rate tickets. Previously they were only available to people aged up to 16.

Journeys which start or finish anywhere in West Sussex will be covered by the scheme and is set to run until March 2025 - with hopes it could be extended if successful.

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Councillor Joy Dennis, cabinet member for highways and transport at West Sussex County Council said: "When young people reach the age of 16, they usually stop qualifying for the cheaper child rate tickets when travelling on the bus and end up having to pay an adult fare.

"This new scheme means young people can continue to receive a discount right up until the day before their 21st birthday, giving them the freedom to travel for less - whether it's getting to college or university, attending a job interview, travelling to work or meeting up with friends."

To get the discount, young people just need to show a valid ID.

The Argus: The Department for Transport funded the schemeThe Department for Transport funded the scheme (Image: PA)

It is funded with £19 million from the Department for Transport.

Roads minister Richard Holden said: "People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable and affordable public transport system.

"That is why we have provided West Sussex County Council with over £19 million to boost its bus services.

"Supporting the council with introducing cheaper fares for 16 to 20 year olds is fantastic for local families and young people who will now be able to get to work, school and visit loved ones for less."

The 16 to 20 bus saver scheme is part of West Sussex County Council's bus service improvement plan, which also introduces tap on and tap off technology to buses and improved information displays at bus stops.