Students could be in line for free bus passes if Basildon's MP finally gets her way.

Angela Smith , MP for Basildon and East Thurrock, has vowed to keep fighting young people's corner in Parliament until ministers finally take action.

She believes people under 18 deserve the same bus travel privileges as those soon to be given to over 20,000 pensioners in the district - a free bus pass which would entitle them to half price fares locally. Mrs Smith said: "By talking to young people on limited income it is obvious how strongly they feel about this issue.

"Everyone under 18, especially those in full time education, should be entitled to free bus passes and half price fares."

The MP was spurred on to another House of Commons speech after a special meeting with young people at Basildon college.

The issue of cut price bus fares was raised by three students at the forum and received full backing from the dozens of young people present.

Mrs Smith told the Echo afterwards: "I have raised the issue again with Government ministers and I will continue to do so until they agree with me that further debate is needed.

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