ONE in four youngsters have bought a Kent Freedom Pass, said delighted Kent County Council officials at the project's official launch.

The unique pass costs £50 for a year and allows students aged between 11 and 16 unlimited travel on Kent buses.

There have been 1,500 takers from a potential 6,000 in Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay where the pilot was launched through schools.

The trial scheme has also been launched in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. If it is successful it will be extended across the county after two years.

Keith Ferrin, KCC cabinet member for highways said the pass was a bargain.

He said: "If you buy a pass now we've thrown in three free months. So you get unlimited travel up to the end of August next year – less than £1 a week for unrestricted travel."

The pioneering pass is a move by KCC to reduce congestion on the roads. The idea was put forward by members of the Kent Youth County Council (KYCC) for inclusion in KCC's policy agenda, Towards 2010.

It is estimated that each pass, which will hold the owner's photo, will save the young person up to £600. The £50 cost will cover the scheme's administration costs and ensure the pass is valued and used.

"This will create new opportunities for young people," added Cllr Ferrin. "And there will be less taxi-ing for parents to do. Young people value their independence – the pass will give them that."

For more information call 08458 247 247 or e-mail kentfreedompass@kent.gov.uk