CHILDREN aged 15 and under will be able to travel free across Merseyrail this weekend.

To celebrate Car Free Day, the rail operator is offering free travel to kids aged 15 and under as long as they are with a paying adult on Sunday, September 22.

The move hopes to raise awareness of greener ways to travel and how people can make small changes to protect the environment.

To claim free travel, just head to any Merseyrail ticket office and a special free ticket will be handed out when accompanied by an adult.

Up to four children can travel for free per paying adult.

Cath Johnston, head of sustainability at Merseyrail, said: “Mass car travel is having a devastating impact on our planet, and by making small changes to our travel arrangements we can all do our part to help.

“Road travel generates some of the most dangerous air pollutants in our region – including the toxic gas nitrogen dioxide which can cause a flare-up of asthma or symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing.

"However, it’s not just the environment that makes rail travel a better option.

“With regular trains across the network, and 15-minute services between 7am and 7pm, as well as more time to relax, no roadworks or traffic lights and the lowest fares in the country, it’s the ideal choice.

“Taking advantage of the kids free travel day means that passengers will be contributing to a cleaner, greener environment, as well as enjoying journeys from as little as £1.91.”

Adults can travel all day with Merseyrail from just £4 per adult. Day Saver tickets can be purchased online or at any Merseyrail station.

Car Free Day is a chance to get children thinking about air pollution and the environment, and with lots of ‘green’ days out in the region.

To find out more about green days out on Merseyrail visit https://www.merseyrail.org/greendaysout