Skip to main content

British minister launches major new travel initiative for young people

Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd MP today launches a major new travel initiative which is designed by young people for young people.
At an event at London’s Transport Museum, The Minister is set to unveil The National Express Youth Promise, an industry-leading package of commitments by the UK’s largest coach operator which has been shaped by members of The Youth Parliament to the benefit of their peers.
Developed in partnership with The British Youth Council, The National Express Youth Promise is built around five core pledges made by the national coach operator.
These include:
-  An ongoing commitment to deliver value travel
-  Working on a grassroots level with young people in the communities across the UK
-  -  Supporting young people into work and education
-  Delivering the most accessible public transport network possible
-  Providing platforms on which to showcase youth talent.

CONTINUES BELOW
Young people from the Youth Parliament including those who advised on the government’s Youth Select Committee’s report on transport were specially selected by the UK’s biggest coach operator to advise on the package, which is believed to be a first in the UK travel industry. It represents a shift in gear for the transport operator by offering a dedicated focus to young people aged 15-26 as well as the traditional student market which is readily associated with National Express.
To date, National Express remains the only transport company to have followed up on the Youth Select Committee’s report of Transport and Young People. This recommended the involvement of young people in regards to transport decision-making, engaging with disabled young people in discussions about access to public transport and the provision of affordable travel.
Amongst other things, the National Express Youth Promise will see the coach company create apprenticeships, roll out a structured work experience scheme and invest thousands of hours in young people’s causes. All National Express staff will be given a day’s paid annual leave every year to spend conducting voluntary youth work. Unlike some other major organisations, some of whom pay younger staff less than those older employees in the same role, National Express also remains committed to offering equal pay for the same role for all frontline staff, regardless of their age.
To ensure the coach operator stays on track, a Youth Panel will be created to continually engage with young people and help maintain regular dialogue around the issues affecting young person’s travel.
Additionally, the Covent Garden event will also see the UK’s largest coach operator announce major new partnerships with The Scouts, The Prince’s Trust and disabled children’s charity Whizz Kidz.
  Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd MP said:
“In launching this Youth Promise, designed by young people, National Express has demonstrated their commitment to supporting the next generation. More than that, they have shown that they are prepared to give young people a genuine say in how things work, and then to listen. We now look forward to this promise being delivered.
“This is an excellent example of cross-sector collaboration with National Express working with the British Youth Council and other charities. We urge others to do the same and let the young people who will shape our future start improving things for them from today.”
Marc Kidson Chair of the British Youth Council said: “National Express is an institution and travelling on its coaches has long been seen as a rite of passage for students across the UK. Time and time again we hear that transport is one of the areas which matters the most to young people so it is absolutely fantastic to see this company take its commitment to young people even further with its groundbreaking Youth Promise, which we believe is industry-leading. To date, National Express remains the only transport company to have followed up on the Youth Select Committee’s report on transport and we hope the Youth Promise inspires other companies to create similar schemes.”
Tom Stables, Managing Director, National Express UK Coach said: “In partnership with The British Youth Council we are absolutely thrilled to launch The National Express Youth Promise which has been designed for young people by their peers.  Transport is an absolutely crucial area for young people – it signifies their first steps towards independence, offers the opportunity to connect with family and friends and a means to explore the wider world and all the opportunities that go with it. It was absolutely crucial to us to engage with young people on our plans from the outset – and we didn’t want an easy ride. Thanks to the input of all the young people involved we’ve been able to pull together a package of benefits which we really hope will benefit young people in all parts of the UK. We’d like to say an enormous thank you to all involved and we really look forward to continued engagement via our new Youth Panel.”

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Sky Logistics Limited Announces Scholarship Program for Nigerian Travel Agencies

  Empowering the Future of Travel Consultants through Education Sky Logistics Limited (GSA Nigeria) Delta Air Lines Inc., announced the launch of a ground breaking Scholarship Program for select Travel Agencies in Nigeria, as part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility and the development of the travel industry in the region. The initiative aims to recognize and support the outstanding efforts of travel agencies by providing professional and educational opportunities for an all-expense-paid Ticketing and Reservation training program. This comprehensive training program will be conducted at the prestigious Frontier Academy, a subsidiary of GHI Assets Limited. Frontier Academy is recognized as an Amadeus training partner, an IATA certified training organization, and also renowned for its commitment to excellence in travel industry education. The Scholarship Program aims to empower the next generation of travel consultants, providing them with essential skills and kn...

Why you should travel for Wellness

There are several reasons why you should travel for wellness. Firstly, travel allows you to break away from your daily routine and escape the stress and pressures of everyday life. When you’re in a new environment, you can leave behind the responsibilities and demands that may be weighing you down and focus on your well-being instead. Secondly, traveling for wellness gives you the opportunity to explore new places and experience different cultures. This can broaden your perspective and open your mind to new ways of thinking and living. Immersing yourself in different customs, foods, and activities can also provide a fresh perspective on your own health and wellness practices. Furthermore, travel often involves physical activity, whether it’s hiking, swimming, or simply walking around and exploring. Engaging in physical activities while traveling can help you stay active and improve your overall fitness level. It can also be a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty o...

Top Submarine Vacation this Summer

If you're looking for a unique and adventurous vacation experience this summer, consider exploring the fascinating world beneath the waves with a submarine vacation. While there are several submarine tours and experiences available worldwide, one highly recommended option is the " Lovers Deep " submarine experience in the Caribbean. Lovers Deep Submarine is a luxury submarine that offers an exclusive and romantic getaway for couples. It allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Caribbean Sea while enjoying the comfort and privacy of a luxury submarine suite. Here are some key highlights of the Lovers Deep submarine vacation: Submarine Suite: The submarine features a luxurious suite equipped with all the amenities you would expect from a high-end hotel. You can enjoy a spacious bedroom, a private living area, an en-suite bathroom, and even a dining area—all with stunning panoramic views of the underwater world. Underwater Excursions: During your submarine vaca...