The end of the Explore card scheme could mean many can't afford further education

By SuziLD | Monday, February 28, 2011, 15:27

EMA has recently been axed and now Suffolk County Council have announced that there Explore card scheme will be coming to an abrupt end at the end of March.

Save Explore cards poster from - Save Our Explore Cards Facebook page
Train fares are going to prove very expensive for Suffolk's students

Both of these cuts mean that students currently in further education may not be able to continue with their studies as they will not be able to afford expensive travel costs.

Those deciding on what to do after their GCSES's may also be discouraged from going into further education.

The Explore card scheme sees children and young people aged between 5 and 20 get discounted travel on train and bus journeys in Suffolk. When I was younger I had an Explore card and I thought they were a brilliant idea.

On social networking sites people have been expressing their disgust at the cuts and a Facebook campaign to 'Save our Explore cards' is already gaining momentum.

Posting on the campaign groups wall one student said: "Not only now do students not get EMA they also have to pay full prices to catch the bus or train, smooth move conservatives!!!! It would cost me over £5 a day to travel! As if I can afford that!"

Sadly there are students all over Suffolk facing exactly the same problem.