Children 'prefer buses and trams'

The poll showed 91% of parents support free travel for under 16s

Four out of 10 teenagers are ditching a lift in a car for the bus or tram, according to a survey.

Free bus and tram travel for under-16s was introduced by London Mayor Ken Livingstone in June last year.

The survey carried out by Transport for London among 459 14 and 15-year-olds showed nearly half are more likely to travel to and from school on the bus.

Mr Livingstone said the results showed free travel was encouraging more youngsters to use public transport.

This meant reduced congestion associated with the school run, he added.

The research also showed nearly all (91%) of parents of children aged 11 to 15 support the scheme.