Almost 10,000 free travel codes have been issued to 16 and 17-year-olds on the Isle of Wight - and now they're being encouraged to use them.
Wightlink has reached the milestone through its youth travel scheme, launched in June 2025 in partnership with the Isle of Wight Youth Trust.
The scheme gives two free return foot passenger journeys to every eligible Island teenager in sixth form education, training or apprenticeships each academic year, helping them access work, education, training and leisure opportunities on the mainland.
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David Williams, head of marketing at Wightlink, said: "We are really pleased that so many young people have already used the scheme to travel to the mainland for education, work experience, open days, social opportunities and simply to explore somewhere new.
"However, we know there are still many eligible young people who haven’t yet used their free tickets and we would strongly encourage them to do so."
Further details about eligibility and how to use the codes can be found on Wightlink’s youth travel webpage https://www.wightlink.co.uk/ways-to-save/youth-travel
The initiative was created following talks with youth organisations about the barriers some Islanders face in accessing opportunities beyond the Isle of Wight.
Paul Savill is the network, information and engagement coordinator at the Isle of Wight Youth Trust.
He said: "We were pleased to work alongside Wightlink on developing this initiative because we know the cost and confidence involved in travelling to the mainland can sometimes prevent young people from accessing valuable opportunities."
