A TRAIN operator is to introduce a discount season ticket scheme for pupils at qualifying schools in South Lakeland and Furness.

Northern, which runs services on the Lakes and Furness Lines, is to introduce the scheme for under 16s in the new year.

And the train operator has also said the scheme will be extended, on a trial basis, to provide discounts for 16-18 year olds for the 2017 spring and summer terms.

Sharon Keith, Regional Director for Northern, said: “We understand that the Furness and Lakes lines are the most convenient and popular method for many schoolchildren in South Lakes.

“As such we wanted to introduce a scheme which not only recognised this, but also offered a significant discount - giving families something back for the continued use of our services.

“From January 2017 all schoolchildren under 16 who use the rail services to travel to a number of specified schools will be able to apply for a 40 per cent discount on their term-time season tickets.

“And, for the duration of the trial, children aged 16-18 travelling to the same schools will be able to apply for a 25 per cent discount on their term-time season tickets.”

Each school whose pupils are eligible for the discount have been notified by Northern and have received application forms to distribute to pupils ahead of the spring term which begins in January.

And those who apply for the discounts will not be restricted in when they can use their tickets.

Ms Keith added: “We want to encourage people to use the railway and all students who receive the discounted season tickets will be able to use them during evenings, weekends and other non-school days within the validity period.

A student discount scheme had previously been in place but was scrapped last summer and Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron applied pressure to get a discounted season ticket scheme for sixth formers.

“This is a massive victory for local students, who will now save hundreds of pounds on the costs of school travel," said Mr Farron. "Students should not have their education choices dictated by costs. This decision will make a real difference to students who use the Lakes Line and Furness Line to travel to sixth form."

Schools which qualify for the discounted season tickets are: The Queen Katherine School, Kendal; Kirkbie Kendal School; Dowdales School, Dalton; Ulverston Victoria High School; Central Lancaster High School, Lancaster; Lancaster Girls Grammar School, Lancaster; Lancaster Royal Grammar School; Ripley St Thomas C of E Academy, Lancaster.