Rail operator Northern has issued a "final call" to students across the north to get their under 16 education season tickets.

The firm is appealing to would-be student fare evaders to get their season ticket before penalty fare rises to £100 on Monday.

The special ticket, which Northern has developed in partnership with over 124 secondary schools and university technical colleges (UTCs), offers students up to 75 per cent off the normal adult fare.

On some routes, the savings are worth as much as £575 per year.

And the rail company are now appealing for students to grab the bargain as from Monday, January 23, anyone caught travelling on the rail network in England without a valid ticket for travel or "promise to pay" card will be issued with the government’s new £100 penalty fare.

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Student fare evasion is something Northern has been working hard to combat in partnership with secondary schools and UTCs across its network.

Many fare evasion incidents take place when students are travelling relatively short distances between rural and suburban stations which are not barrier-controlled.

Given the high number of students on-board and the limited journey time, conductors cannot always carry out a full ticket inspection, which emboldens students to "risk it".

But with the new penalty fare coming into place on Monday, Northern is appealing to students – and their parents – to take advantage of the season ticket and the savings it offers.

A Bolton secondary school has been named in the "top five" for pupils caught fare dodging by train operator Northern.

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Turton High School in Bromley Cross was among the schools named in the list, which covers Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

With Bromley Cross train station in close proximity to the school, it is a popular way for students to commute.

Northern say some students decide to pocket the money and take the risk of travelling without a ticket.

Mark Powles, commercial and customer director at Northern, said: “Under 16 education season tickets offer savings that can be worth hundreds of pounds per year.

“Having one also means a student always has the means to get to and from school – and won’t succumb to peer pressure, travel without a ticket and risk being issued with a £100 penalty fare.

“It’s no way to spend your pocket money – don’t risk it!” 

For a full list of participating schools and details of how to buy an Under 16 Education Season Ticket, please visit: www.northernrailway.co.uk/tickets/educational-season