A CAMPAIGN to reduce teenage travel fares across Merseyside has reached Whitehall after being backed by the Globe.

Transport Minister Patrick McLoughlin met with students from West Kirby Grammar School on Friday after hearing about their fight against what they describe as “extortionate prices” being charged to young people by bus and rail operators.

Sixth form students Sophie Brown and Max Jones criticised Merseyrail for upping their prices last month, as well as complaining about both theirs and Merseytravel’s policy to charge anyone over the age of 15 adult fares.

They argued that Government legislation made it compulsory for 16 to 18-year-olds to remain in education and claimed charging teenagers adult fares was discriminatory.

An online petition gathered hundreds of signatures from teenagers from other schools across the borough, as well as their parents.

They then brought their campaign to the Globe.

Sophie, 17, from Meols, said: “There is a legal requirement at this age to stay in full time education yet we do not enjoy any adult privileges – we can’t vote, work full-time or drive – which is ultimately why we believe this increase in price is unjust and discriminatory towards young people.”

Mr McLoughlin congratulated the West Kirby students on the way they had launched their campaign and agreed to discuss the matter further with transport operators.

He said: “It’s in the interests of all bus companies to make sure young people are regular users of buses, so not making it unattractive to use a bus is important.

“I believe Merseytravel has promised to review its policies and come back to you which is the right thing at this stage.”

After the meeting, Sophie said: “We are going to carry on getting more support and letting more teenagers know about the cause and how they can support the petition.”

The Minister’s visit was organised by Wirral West MP Esther McVey, who said students had made a fair case and “it is something they should have success with”.

A spokesman for Merseyrail said that while fares have increased, tickets on the Merseyside-based rail network are “still among the cheapest in the UK”.

The students’ anger increased further after schoolchildren and those travelling to hospital were hit with a bus fare rise in January.

The increase affects routes subsidised by Merseytravel because private companies cannot make a profit from them.

Single fares for children aged five to 15 will rise 40% from 50p to 70p while adults will see their fare increase to £1.50.

Sophie added: “With the ever increasing unjust public transport prices on Merseyside, it raises the question – how can these increasing fares be justified with the decreasing price of fuel?

“Essentially I believe fares are not fair.”

But councillor Liam Robinson, chair of Merseytravel, said that even with the increases, the prices “still offer good value” when compared with cash fares on commercial services.

He said:  “We are looking across the board at how we can make transport more affordable and young people are a key focus for our work.”

To sign the petition, click here.