A NEW travel discount scheme is set to be introduced by the county council to replace the eXplore card which was controversially scrapped two years ago.

The new card, expected to be branded the “Endeavour Card” is set to be introduced in September at the start of the next academic year.

It will be aimed at teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19, and will be valid on all bus services in the county.

The council’s cabinet will be asked to approve the implementation of smart card at its meeting at the end of the month.

Young people aged between 16 and 19 years old will receive the discount to help them access learning, work and training.

It will be designed to enable cashless payment on specified public transport services and will have stored value and online top-up ability.

As well as enabling parents and carers to ensure young people can pay for their transport, it will also speed up bus boarding times.

Guy McGregor, Suffolk’s cabinet member for transport and planning said; “Investment into a smart travel card scheme for Suffolk will provide young people with clear discounts for public transport and promote bus travel in Suffolk, whilst enabling people to be less dependent on their private cars.

“In removing barriers to accessing learning, work and training, the card would make a huge contribution to achieving the aims of the Raising the Bar initiative to raise attainment and aspiration, and to better match skills with future jobs.”

Opposition transport spokeswoman Caroline Page said she was thrilled about the decision: “But it isn’t a new card – it’s a straight replacement for eXplore.

“Which begs the question why did they cause so much anguish by abolishing it two years ago if they can afford to bring it back now?”