APPRENTICE TRAVELCARD

WHAT IS THE APPRENTICE TRAVELCARD?
HOW TO APPLY
FAQ’S
TAKING A PHOTOGRAPH

INTRODUCING THE LCR APPRENTICE TRAVELCARD

An apprenticeship is the first taste of full time work for many. Lots of young people are hungry to get on the career ladder but many can’t find a suitable apprenticeship close to home. If travel costs are a deal breaker, dream careers can end up on hold.


The Apprentice Travelcard means young people enrolled in apprenticeships can get half price bus or train travel across Merseyside when buying weekly and four-weekly Solo tickets or weekly and monthly Railpass tickets.

The Apprentice Travelcard is available for anyone aged between 19 – 24 living in the Liverpool City Region who’s currently enrolled on an approved apprenticeship. 

The apprentice travel pass scheme is just one of the fringe benefits of enrolling on an apprenticeship. Most apprentices can get their hands on an NUS Card. Members of the National Union of Students get great deals across the UK.  Holders of the card receive 10% off on grocery shopping with the Co-op, up to 25% off restaurant food, up to 50% off computing software alongside some great deals on mobile phones and technology.

HOW TO APPLY

Applying just requires a few steps to get you well on the way to cutting your travel costs in half for both bus and rail.

First of all, check through the Frequently Asked Questions to make sure you’re eligible.

If you’re good to go then the following steps will take you through the process from signing your apprenticeship through to collecting your Apprentice Travelcard.

STEP 1

  • Learner enrols with a training provider as an apprentice
  • Training provider confirms that the learner meets apprenticeship eligibility requirements 
  • Training provider provides the learner with information about the apprentice travel card scheme, including how to apply

STEP 2

  • Training provider issues a tri-part agreement to the learner
  • The tri-part agreement is issued and signed by the learner, the employer and the training provider
  • Learner receives a completed copy of the tri-part agreement via e-mail

STEP 3

  • Learner arranges a suitable digital photograph for when attending the travel centre to apply for the apprentice travel card 

STEP 4

  • Learner attends travel centre with suitable ID, copy of tri-part agreement and digital photograph
  • Travel centre staff review the tri-part agreement for completeness 
  • Travel centre staff identify the training provider on the tri-part agreement and the application proceeds to the next stage.

STEP 5

  • Travel centre staff review the learner’s photograph to ensure it meets requirements
  • If the photograph is unsuitable, the learner is asked to provide a replacement
  • Once the photograph is approved, travel centre staff approve the learner for a travel card

STEP 6

  • Travel centre staff enter learner details into Smart Office (back office)
  • Travel centre staff generate and print the travel card via Smart Office
  • Travel centre staff check the printed card for accuracy
  • Travel card is issued to learner

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is eligible to apply for an apprentice travel card?
The Apprentice Travelcard is available for anyone aged between 19 – 24 living in the Liverpool City Region who’s currently enrolled on an approved apprenticeship with an Education and Skills funding agency.
What are the benefits of the travel card?
The Apprentice Travelcard means young people enrolled in apprenticeships can get half price bus or train travel across Merseyside when buying weekly and four-weekly Solo tickets or weekly and monthly Railpass tickets.
Where can I use the travel card?
The Apprentice Travelcard allows you unlimited bus travel on any bus, any time, any where in Merseyside. Railpass tickets can be used on various train operating companies in Merseyside and as far as Chester, Ellesmere Port and Ormskirk, depending on which zones you choose. Merseyrail tickets are valid on the Northern and Wirral lines only. Merseytravel Railpass is valid on City Line. See map here – Liverpool City Region Train Ticket | Merseytravel Railpass
How do I use the travel card?
Visit a Merseytravel Centre to apply for your Apprentice Travelcard. Once you have a Travelcard you can top it up with a bus ticket or a Rail ticket. Bus tickets can be bought from Merseytravel Centres or PayPoint stores (PayPoint Consumer Services | Find Your Nearest Store). Rail tickets can be bought at any staffed Merseyrail or Northern station (except Chester). You must place your Apprentice Travelcard on the bus ticket machine or on the automatic gates at the rail station (where they are available).
How long is the travel card valid for?
The Travelcard is valid for 12 months and can be renewed annually during the length of your Apprenticeship.
How do I renew my travel card?
Visit a Merseytravel Centre, bringing a form of ID and proof of your current ongoing Apprenticeship.
What do I do if I lose or damage my card?
If your card is not working because it is has been damaged, or if you have lost it, there is a £5 replacement fee. Please visit your nearest Merseytravel Centre to order a new Apprentice Travelcard.
Do I need to pay for the card?
No, there is no activation fee for an Apprentice Travelcard.
What ID do I need when attending the travel centre to apply for my Apprentice Travelcard?
You will need to provide one of the following; Driving Licence, Bank or Building Society Statement, Utility Bill, Council Tax Bill (or be named on a Council Tax Bill).
Can I apply if my apprenticeship has already started?
Yes
Do I need to book an appointment to attend a travel centre?
No
Do I need to attend a specific travel centre to collect my card?
You can visit any Merseytravel Centre and can find a list here – Merseytravel Centres | Merseytravel
What is a tripart agreement?
The tripart agreement is the contract that is signed and completed by the apprentice, training provider and employer. All parties will receive a copy of this completed agreement.

HOW TO TAKE A DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPH

The following is a simple guide on how to take a digital photograph for your Apprentice Travelcard:

The digital photo must:

  • contain no other people or objects
  • be taken against a plain and light-coloured background
  • be in clear contrast to the background
  • not have any ‘red eye’

If you’re using a photo taken on your own camera, tablet or smartphone, include your head, shoulders and upper body. Do not crop your photo

In your photo you must:

  • be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera
  • have a plain expression and your mouth closed
  • have your eyes open and clearly visible
  • not have any hair in front of your eyes
  • not have a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons)
  • not have anything covering your face
  • not have any shadows on your face or behind you

For further guidance on how to take your digital photo CLICK HERE or visit: https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports

CLICK HERE or visit: https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/tickets-and-pricing/apprenticeships-(19-24)/ for the official Merseytravel website for further information about the Apprentice Travelcard.