Travel and Transport

This section is divided into a number of categories. To go directly to your area of interest, click on one of the options below or scroll down the page to read it all;

Public transport and planning your journey

If it is too far to walk or cycle, and unless you are old enough and fortunate to have your own car, using public transport is usually the most accessible and affordable method of getting around – it’s also environmentally friendly.

If by travelling by bus or tram, buy your ticket on the vehicle or from machines at bus/trams stops.

To find out more and view bus timetables visit

www.showbus.co.uk/timetables

If travelling by coach, you will usually need to book your journey and buy your ticket in advance.

Visit www.nationalexpress.com or call 08705 808080 for enquiries

If travelling by train or tube you can buy your ticket at the station, over the phone or on the internet.

Visit www.nationalrail.co.uk for train timetables and travel information (or telephone 08457 48 49 50) and www.thetube.com

If you have a disability all new buses and trains now have to be built in a way that gives people with a disability more accessibility – check when you book your journey that access will not be a problem.

Don’t forget!  If you have a student card, ask if you are entitled to a discount.

When using public transport, here are some useful tips:

  • ask about a young person’s discount when you buy your ticket – don’t forget to take some ID to show your age
  • try to book in advance or over the internet – it may be cheaper
  • student railcards and weekly tickets can also save you money
  • stay safe – keep your personal belongings close to you (never leave a bag unattended) and avoid using your mobile phone which can distract you from your surroundings
  • if you need help, ask a uniformed member of staff

For more information on planning your journey visit:

If you are a student aged 16-18, you may be eligible for a bus or railfare card from Surrey County Council.  It costs around £5 and entitles you to ‘under 16’ prices between home and college.  Check out www.surreycc.gov.uk to find out more.

Driving
There are rules about the age at which you can drive a particular type of vehicle.  For example:

From the age of 14 you can ride an electrically assisted cycle or an invalid car if you receive disability living allowance

From the age of 16 you can ride a moped up to 50cc

From the age of 17 you can drive a motorbike, car or certain classes of van and lorry up to 3500kgs

From the age of 18 you can drive vans and lorries up to 7500kgs

From the age of 21 you can drive all other vehicles unsupervised and you are allowed to supervise a learner driver.

Don’t forget!  Before you can learn to drive, you will need to apply for a provisional driving licence – you can pick up an application form from your local post office.

For more information visit:

Wheels 2 Work & Wheels 2 Learn

Wheels 2 Work is a moped loan scheme to help young people in rural areas get to their school, college or job.  It is co-ordinated by East Surrey Rural Transport Partnership. It offers mopeds (subject to availability) for young people aged over 16 who hold a provisional licence.

Surrey Police and the Surrey County Council Road Safety Team provide safety and road awareness training and each young person receives free equipment, including helmet, a protective jacket, gloves and a reflective tabard.

The Wheels 2 Work scheme is run over a six month period and the Wheels 2 Learn scheme is run over one academic year. During this time the young person has contact with a Project Coordinator who will offer help and advice where possible.

There is a monthly administration charge of £64 of which 50% will be refunded to the young person at the end of the loan period, provided the moped is returned in good condition.

The mopeds are restricted to 30 miles per hour and any applicant aged under 18 will need the consent of their parent or guardian.

Further information about the Wheels 2 Work scheme is available at www.eastsurreyrtp.org.uk, email rtp@tandridge.gov.uk or call 01883 732791.


Stay safe when you are travelling

  • Always tell someone where you are going, who with and when you will be home
  • Give your parents/close friend a phone number/address where you can be contacted
  • Shout ‘NO!’ loudly and try to get away if someone you don’t like tries to make you go with them or tries to make you do things you don’t like
  • Never accept lifts from strangers
  • If you get lost in a public place, be careful about who you ask for help – look for a police officer, a shop assistant, a guard in uniform or someone with a young child
  • Keep your bags/belongings close to you and make sure your money/mobile/MP3 player are not visible
  • Avoid using your mobile or MP3 player which can distract you from your surroundings
  • Be extra cautious in the winter as it gets dark earlier – try to stick to well-lit and busy areas.
  • www.suzylamplugh.org.uk

Need advice now?

Find your local Connexions Centre on the interactive map. Don’t forget you can also call Connexions Direct on 080 800 13 2 19 (lines open 8am – 2am, seven days a week), text 07766 4 13 2 19, or click here for a webchat with a Personal Adviser.

Surrey Map

Activities Map

Check out our map of events, activities and projects for young people in Surrey

View Activities Map