Free student bus scheme launched

A £70,000 pilot scheme giving students free bus travel has been launched.

The University of Derby is handing special vouchers to more than 2,000 freshers staying in halls of residence to travel to the Kedleston Road campus.

Project leaders said the scheme would enable new students to travel around the city more safely.

Part of the funding for the scheme comes from increased car parking charges at halls to try to encourage students not to bring their cars.

Greener alternatives

It is being run by Derby's Students' Residences Ltd (DSRL), a registered charity affiliated to the university.

A university spokesman said: "At a time when students are encouraged to keep a very tight rein on their finances, particularly with the advent of tuition fees being introduced in September 2006, this can only be good news.

"Schemes such as this reinforce the university's strategy to offer a high quality package for day to day student living at Derby.

"We are confident there are plenty of cheaper and greener travel alternatives for students to consider using in Derby.

"We are also looking at plans for introducing electronic text message alerts of bus services direct to student mobiles."