If you’re between 16 and 18 years old, you could get cheaper travel to school, college or work with a 16-18 photocard.
The photocard lets you buy child rate tickets. This means you get 50% off the adult rate.
You can use the card to buy child rate:
You can get a 16-18 photocard if you're aged 16-18 and born after 31 August 2006.
It's valid until July 31 of the academic year you turn 18. You must also live at a property where Council Tax is paid to one of these councils:
There are 2 ways to get a 16-18 photocard. You can get the photocard on its own or with a Direct Debit or season ticket.
If you would like a 16-18 photocard without purchasing a ticket, you can apply online.
You can use your 16-18 photocard straight away to purchase child fare tickets and can add season tickets.
If you already have a 16-18 photocard, you can purchase your ticket using our ticket finder.
You can use your photocard to buy Direct Debit or season tickets online. You can also use the card to buy tickets in person:
You must take your card with you when you travel. If you have a paper ticket, you might be asked to show your photocard as ID.
On the bus, hold your card next to the reader. Wait for the green light or beep.
On the tram, hand your card to the conductor. They will scan it for you.
On the train, hand your card to the conductor. You can also hold your card on the yellow reader to open entry and exit gates at stations.
You can use your photocard for journeys that are:
If you’re at school or college, you can only use your photocard Monday to Friday in term time, unless you have a season ticket.
You must travel before 9.30 am or between 3.30 pm and 6 pm. If you need to travel after 6 pm, the journey must be in connection with either:
Your photocard is only for you - you cannot share it with anyone else.
Show your card and ask for a single or return. Then pay in cash or with your Swift pay-as-you-go card. You can also get day tickets on National Express coaches.
You’ll use your card differently depending on how you travel.
On the tram, give your photocard to the conductor. They will scan it for you.
On the train, show your ticket and your 16-18 photocard to the conductor if they ask to see it. At gated rail stations, hold your card on the yellow reader for entry or exit.
You’ll need to show your ticket and your photocard when you travel. At gated rail stations, insert your paper ticket for entry and exit.
You can buy tickets for a Swift 16-19 photocard:
Contact us if you need to change the address on your photocard.
It is likely that you have not collected your ticket onto your card. The easiest way to collect your ticket is by using the TfWM app
You can also visit one of our Swift ticket machines. They read your card and add any tickets you’ve bought to it.
You can find a list of our Swift ticket machines here.
Contact us if you’ve lost your photocard. You’ll have to pay a fee of £7.50.
If your card has been stolen, report it to the police. They’ll give you a crime reference number. You can then call Customer Services to get your photocard replaced for free.
You should get your replacement card within 3 working days.
5-18* year olds can get 2 months’ free travel across the year* on the bus, tram, and train.
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