The Apprentice Travelcard for 19 – 24 year olds

The Apprentice Travelcard means young people enrolled in apprenticeships can get half price bus or train travel across Merseyside when buying weekly and four-weekly Solo tickets or weekly and monthly Railpass tickets.

That means you could save hundreds of pounds.

The Apprentice Travelcard is available for anyone aged between 19 – 24 living in the Liverpool City Region who’s currently enrolled on an approved apprenticeship with an Education and Skills funding agency.

How do I apply?

Applying is simple – read the FAQs to check you’re eligible, pick up an application form from a Merseytravel Centre or your training provider, complete the form and head to your local Merseytravel Centre to get your card. You’ll need to bring some documentation so we know who you are, as well as a passport sized photograph (no digital copies – sorry).

If everything’s in order, you’ll be given your Apprentice Travelcard there and then, and can buy your first half-price weekly or four-weekly Solo ticket straight away from the Travel Centre.

If you need a Railpass you can take your Apprentice Travelcard to your nearest station.

Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions for Apprentice Travelcards before buying or using your ticket.

Terms and Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What discount is available?
If you are an apprentices aged 19-24, you can receive a 50% discount on a weekly
or 4-weekly Adult Solo or on a weekly or monthly Adult Railpass.

Where can I use a Solo Apprentice Travelcard?
It allows you unlimited bus travel on any bus, any time,
any where in Merseyside..

Where can I buy Solo tickets?
You can buy a Solo ticket at your nearest Merseytravel Centre. They are also
available from any Paypoint retailer.

When will my Solo product be activated?
You can buy a weekly or 4-weekly Solo at the same time as you apply for your
Apprentice Travelcard at any Merseytravel Centre. Or you can do this at a later time
if you prefer. The ticket may be used immediately and will be activated the first time
you use it on a bus.

Where can I use my Railpass Apprentice Travelcard?
Railpass tickets are for train journeys only and can be used on various train
operating companies in Merseyside and also as far as Chester, Ellesmere Port and
Ormskirk, depending on which zones you choose.
Further information on zones and participating Train companies is available at
merseytravel.gov.uk/apprentice

Where can I buy a Railpass ticket?
They are available from any staffed Merseyrail or Northern Rail station. There is a
map on our website for your nearest station

When will my Railpass ticket be activated?
Railpass tickets are dated products so they are only valid from the date requested
when you buy it. They will expire exactly one week or one calendar month from the
start date.

I need to use a bus and a train on my journey. Can I buy both a Solo and a
Railpass ticket?
Yes, you will first need to make sure that the tickets you buy cover your entire
journey. The Merseytravel website gives more information on the areas covered by
each ticket.
You may use more than one ticket on your Apprentice Travelcard at any one time,
however, Railpass tickets are valid from the day that you ask when you buy it and
Solo tickets will be activated the first time you use it on board the bus.
You may need to purchase an additional (non-discounted) ticket if you intend to
travel beyond the areas or zones you have chosen for your tickets
Only weekly and 4-weekly Solo tickets and weekly and monthly Railpass tickets are
currently available to buy at a discount using your Apprentice Travelcard.

How do I use my Apprentice Travelcard to make a journey?
You must place your Apprentice Travelcard on the bus ticket machine or on the
automatic gates at the rail station (where they are available). You should have your
Apprentice Travelcard with you at all times for checking.

What if my Apprentice Travelcard is faulty?
You should return your Apprentice Travelcard to any Merseytravel Centre if you think it is faulty. You will also need to
have your receipt as proof of purchase. The Customer Service Officer will read the
card to make sure the ticket on it is valid. If your card is faulty the officer will arrange
for a replacement card to be issued.

I have lost my Apprentice Travelcard/ my card is damaged? What shall I do?
If your card is not working because it is has been damaged, or if you have lost it,
there is a £5 replacement fee. Please visit your nearest Merseytravel Centre to order
a new Apprentice Travelcard.

I live in Halton - can I apply for an Apprentice Travelcard?
Yes, Halton is included in the Liverpool City Region, If you meet the eligibility
requirements, you can apply for the Apprentice Travelcard. Unfortunately, the Solo
and Railpass products cannot be used in Halton at the moment.

What should I bring with me as proof of address?
To apply for the Travelcard you will need to bring your completed and signed
application form and a passport photo. You will also need to provide one of the
following;
Driving Licence, Bank or Building Society Statement, Utility Bill, Council Tax Bill (or
be named on a Council Tax Bill). We will accept digital evidence but unfortunately
we cannot accept digital photographs.

Will I need to pay a card activation fee?
No, there is no activation fee for an Apprentice Travelcard.

I already have an Apprentice Travelcard and I have recently move address.
Do I need a new card?
No, you simply need to take proof of your new address to your nearest Merseytravel
Centre.

Do I need to renew my Apprentice Travelcard – to the new design?

No, your current Apprentice Travelcard will remain valid for travel until it expires. If you chose to re-apply upon expiry of your card you will be issued with an Apprentice Travelcard in the new design.