Getting to college has just been made that bit easier for students at Redcar and Cleveland College.
The college has partnered up with Arriva to offer a brand new travel pass, enabling its full-time students aged 16 to 18 to travel for free across Teesside.
Campus Principal Jason Faulkner said: “We are excited to be able to bring this opportunity to our full-time students, linking up all of the communities of Redcar and Cleveland and enabling our young people to access the college’s facilities and also travel across the borough.”
New for September 2018, the free travel pass covers transport across Redcar, East Cleveland, Stockton and Middlesbrough, while a separate pass will be available to students from further afield, including Whitby and Darlington.
Redcar and Cleveland College’s Operations Director Student Support, Alys Tregear, said: “This is something that will enhance opportunities for our students, not just academically but also increasing their accessibility to work opportunities and enriching them socially and emotionally.”
Following a merger with Stockton Riverside College this summer, Redcar and Cleveland College has been working with Redcar and Cleveland Council and a number of partner organisations, including Arriva, to find ways of bringing further opportunities to its students, resulting in the free transport offer.
Redcar and Cleveland College’s Campus Principal Jason said: “The whole point of the merger was to create a local college for local people. It is an exciting time.
“The travel pass enables students across Redcar, East Cleveland and surrounding areas free access to the college through the use of public transport which hasn’t been readily available in recent years.
“What this does is bring access to local services closer to young people, increasing social mobility and the opportunities open to our young people – helping to keep them connected to the wider Tees Valley.”
Arriva’s Area Managing Director Nick Knox said: “We are delighted to be working with Redcar and Cleveland College to help to provide flexible travel arrangements for students from across the area to the college. Students will be able to travel at times throughout the day, convenient to their course requirements. We firmly believe that this will be a great attraction, and we look forward to welcoming the students on board our services when the new academic year starts.”
Redcar and Cleveland College is still taking applications for courses starting in September.
