Young campaigners from across Cambridge are celebrating a major victory after securing funding for the Tiger Pass until March 2027. Students from Long Road Sixth Form College, Cambridge Regional College, and other schools and colleges will gather on Thursday (March 26) to mark the achievement at a special event hosted at Long Road Sixth Form College.
The Tiger Pass, which provides discounted bus travel for young people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, has become a vital resource for thousands of students, supporting access to education, employment, training, and social opportunities.
The celebration will bring together student leaders, community organisations, and key public officials, including the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow, alongside other local politicians who backed the campaign.
Organisers say the event is not only about recognising success but also about looking ahead. The next phase of the campaign will focus on securing long-term funding for the scheme beyond 2027.
Hosted by the young people who led the campaign, the event will feature music, refreshments, and networking opportunities for those committed to improving access and opportunities for young people in the region.
Safa Darr, a student campaign leader at Long Road Sixth Form College, said the scheme has had a direct impact on her life.
“The Tiger Bus campaign is important to me as I regularly use the Tiger Pass for leisure and work. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to do things such as see my friends as much, or go to work, experiences, opportunities and volunteering as much.
“Being part of the campaign has allowed me to continue doing so whilst also allowing me to develop a sense of pride and work with others towards a goal.”
Mark Bullimore Photography 2025
Steve Dann, Principal of Long Road Sixth Form College, praised the students’ efforts.
“The Tiger Pass campaign reflects the very best of our students: determined, passionate, and committed to improving opportunities for young people across our region,” he said.
“Access to affordable transport is essential for ensuring students can attend college, work, training, and enrichment activities. We are incredibly proud of the leadership our students have shown, and we are delighted to host this celebration recognising their hard work and the collaborative effort behind this success.”
The event, titled The Big Tiger Win, will run from 5pm to 6.30pm and is expected to draw attendees from across education, public institutions, and community organisations.
FOOTNOTE: Mayor Bristow spoke about extending Tiger Pass funding to 2027 (specifically until March 2027) in December 2025.
He proposed the extension to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) Board, which discussed and unanimously approved it on 18 December 2025. The scheme provides £1 single bus fares for under-25s across the region.
Key details from Bristow’s statements
- In early-to-mid December 2025, Bristow publicly asked the CPCA Board to back his plan to secure the Tiger Pass until March 2027 (aligned with the expected end of the national £3 bus fare cap). He highlighted its benefits for young people accessing school, work, friends, sports, and leisure without high travel costs.
- After the Board’s approval on 18 December, he stated he was “pleased the Board has agreed my plan” and noted he had spoken directly with young people about the scheme. He described it as “hugely successful” while acknowledging funding challenges (including the national fare cap increase from £2 to £3, which raised subsidy costs). He committed to working on longer-term options beyond March 2027.
The extension builds on an earlier short-term extension to March 2026 and has been widely reported as a success, with over 60,000 passes issued and millions of journeys made since the scheme’s launch.
