Eye of the Tiger (Pass) - Celebrating Funding Success for Tiger Pass and Launches Regional Youth Transport Push

The Tiger Pass—used by more than 60,000 young people—caps bus fares for under‑25s at £1 per journey, saving students up to £900 annually. Students and staff from Long Road have been central to the campaign to protect the scheme, working alongside Cambridge Citizens and engaging political leaders to highlight the essential role affordable transport plays in access to education, work, and social opportunities. 

At the event, co-chairs and Year 12 students Erica Nicora and Ryan Nyazamba welcomed Mayor Bristow and thanked him for his leadership in securing the additional year of funding. Students shared personal testimonies about how the Tiger Pass enables independence, access to college, and financial stability for families across the region. 
The College also highlighted the continued need for long-term support. Students urged the Mayor to begin negotiations to secure funding beyond 2027 and to explore expanding the scheme across regional boundaries so that young people travelling from neighbouring counties can also benefit. 

A research team from Anglia Ruskin University presented early findings examining young people’s transport experiences across the region. Educational institutions, including local colleges and universities, offered to share anonymised commute data to support further research into the journeys of young people in the region. 
Mayor Bristow publicly committed to two key actions: 

• Working with students and Cambridge Citizens to identify a long‑term funding solution for the Tiger Pass from 2027 onward.
• Exploring a cross‑regional model enabling equitable access to the scheme for all young people.

While he didn’t agree to commission research into the journeys of young people, he did agree to meet with students and educational leaders to look at the data they held for potential inclusion in the Combined Authorities Transport Strategy. 

Safa Darr, a student leader at Long Road, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, saying: 
“Knowing that the Tiger Pass will continue for another year is a huge relief. It’s not just a discount—it’s what allows so many of us to get to school, to work, and to take part in the things that help shape our future. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited that the Mayor has agreed to work with us to secure  long‑term change.” 

Steve Dann, Principal at Long Road Sixth Form College said: 
“We are incredibly proud of our students’ leadership on this issue. Affordable transport is a lifeline, not a luxury, and their voices are shaping a fairer, more connected future for young people across the region.” 

The event concluded with thanks to supporting political leaders and partner institutions, followed by a group photo and a performance by the Long Road house band.