nexus free bus travel

Free travel on all buses across the North East for kids this summer

Take The Kids For Free was first launched by Nexus on Tyne and Wear Metro and the Shields Ferry in July 2021 and is now a permanent price promise for customers. Bus companies made a matching offer during Easter 2022 and are now repeating that offer for the summer.

• 08:00, 15 JUL 2022

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Families in North East England will be able to enjoy free travel for kids on buses this summer, right through the school holidays.

Bus companies Arriva , Stagecoach and Go North East have got together with Nexus and local authorities to launch the special offer so families can make the most of summer.

It means an adult with a valid ticket or pass – including the English national concessionary travel card - can take up to three children aged 11 and under free with them on any journey within Tyne and Wear , Northumberland and Durham .

Read more: Metro's money woes deepen as cost of living crisis puts extra £4m on spiralling energy bills

Families can already take the kids for free on the Tyne and Wear Metro and Shields Ferry as a permanent price promise. Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “Our bus network is a great way for people to travel sustainably – reducing carbon emissions and congestion on our region’s roads.

“I’m pleased that this offer will help local families who are already facing the harsh reality of the cost-of-living crisis. We know that children love catching the bus and I hope to see lots of smiling faces onboard throughout the school holidays. This offer is a result of the close partnership working between local authorities, Nexus and bus operators, and we hope to continue to bring positive improvements for passengers as we look to deliver the North East Bus Service Improvement Plan.”

Steve Walker, who is the Managing Director of Stagecoach North East and Chairman of the NTL joint ticketing board for transport operators in North East England, added: “We want to bring families back to public transport this summer, and make it easier and cheaper to enjoy days out in the region at a time many people are struggling with the cost of living.

“North East England’s three big bus companies have come together with Nexus and local councils to create a simple, great value offer on all local public transport across Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear. Take The Kids For Free is a fine example of the new ways we as operators in North East England are working closely in partnership with local authorities to increase passenger numbers improve bus services.”

Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director of Nexus, which runs Metro and the Shields Ferry, said: “Take The Kids For Free has proved really popular with families since we launched it this time last year on Metro and the Shields Ferry. Take The Kids For Free is a permanent price promise for Metro and the Shields Ferry, and I am delighted to see bus companies join us with a special offer for families this summer.”

The offer on buses means that any adult with a valid day or season ticket can take up to three children aged 11 and under with them for free between Saturday, 23 July, and Sunday, 4 September, 2022. Adults with a valid concessionary travel card (free bus pass) on grounds of age or disability can also take advantage of the offer without paying a penny.

It applies to all bus services operated by Arriva North East, Go North East and Stagecoach North East for journeys within Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Durham. It also applies to all bus routes provided by Nexus, Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council where the local authority determine the fares.

A full list of valid ticket and products can be found here https://www.nexus.org.uk/bus/take-kids-free

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• Trusted Traveler Programs

NEXUS Cards

If you are approved to participate in NEXUS, you will receive a membership identification card to use when entering Canada or the United States at all designated NEXUS air, land and marine ports of entry.

Remember to always travel with your passport and/or proof of permanent residence in case you are required to prove your citizenship or permanent residence status.

There is a non-refundable $25 (USD) fee to replace a NEXUS card that is damaged, lost or stolen.

Activating Your NEXUS Card

To activate your card, log into your TTP account.  After you sign in, click on the “Activate Membership Card” button under the Program Membership(s) section on the Homepage.

Using Your NEXUS Card

Land borders, entering canada.

• Use the designated NEXUS lane. Stop and hold your membership card in front of the proximity card reader.
• Proceed to the inspection booth for a visual inspection. The border officer will indicate whether you are to enter the inspection area or proceed into Canada.
• If you are using a lane with a NEXUS eGate, you won’t be processed by a border officer inside the inspection booth. Instead, you will be processed by an officer inside the CBSA office. The officer will use a video camera for the visual inspection and an intercom to communicate with you. The officer will either direct you to enter Canada or proceed to an inspection area.

Note: You must be a NEXUS member to use the Whirlpool-Rapids Bridge between Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York. Refer to the U.S. Niagara Falls Bridge Commission website for more information.

Entering the United States

• Use the designated NEXUS lane.  Stop and hold your membership card in front of the card reader.
• Proceed to the inspection booth for a visual inspection. Unless you are directed to an inspection area, you may proceed into the United States.

You may use facial verification NEXUS kiosks or eGates to enter Canada from anywhere in the world. You may use the NEXUS kiosk with up to 4 other members. The process for using a NEXUS eGate is the same as for the NEXUS kiosk, except eGates process travelers one at a time. You may only use the NEXUS eGate if you are 16 years of age or older.

When using the NEXUS kiosk or eGate, you will be prompted to:

• Select your language of choice
• indicate the number of travelers in your party (kiosk only)
• scan or tap your NEXUS card
• confirm your identity and personal information
• have your photo taken to confirm your identity
• collect your receipt

After collecting your receipt, you may go to the baggage claim. If you have something to declare, you must declare it to an officer after using the kiosk or eGate. If the NEXUS kiosk or eGate can’t verify your identity, the kiosk will direct you to see an officer to have your identity verified.

All NEXUS members can enjoy the benefits of Global Entry at no additional cost through using the Global Entry kiosks/portals for entry at participating airports.

When using the Global Entry kiosks/portals in Canada Preclearance locations you can use your passport, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card, or NEXUS card. You cannot use your NEXUS card at Global Entry kiosks/portals outside of Canadian Preclearance locations. At all other ports, you will need to use your passport or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card. 

If you are traveling with persons into Canada or the United States that are not NEXUS members, you must use the regular lanes.

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Table of Contents

What is a Nexus card?

How much does a nexus card cost, who is nexus right for, who should skip the nexus card, how to get a nexus card, final thoughts on nexus cards.

A Nexus card is a form of identification that can be used instead of a passport or a permanent resident card when entering Canada or the U.S. To get a card, travelers will have to apply for Nexus, which is a Trusted Traveler Program similar to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck .

Those who are approved for a Nexus membership receive a Nexus card. The main difference between a Nexus card and U.S. passport is where each is accepted. Nexus cards are accepted at U.S. and Canada land borders, Canada's airports and U.S. airports with Canada preclearance locations. Alternatively, a passport can be used to travel across most international borders.

What is the Nexus card? Here’s what else you need to know about the Nexus card.

Nexus was created for low-risk, preapproved travelers to help speed up border crossings between Canada and the U.S. All Nexus members receive a Nexus card when their membership is approved. The card can be used when entering the U.S. or Canada.

As a Nexus member, you bypass the regular line of travelers and enter a special security/customs line when you arrive in either country. These lines are typically much shorter, and the process is much quicker.

Nexus also offers the benefits of Global Entry at no additional cost. Nexus members can use Global Entry kiosks when entering the U.S. and also have TSA PreCheck benefits.

In addition, the Nexus card can be used in place of a passport when traveling between the U.S. and Canada. Be aware that when traveling by air from Canada to the U.S., you can use your Nexus card at Canadian airports with a U.S. preclearance area only. If the airport doesn't have a U.S. preclearance area, you'll have to use your passport to access your Nexus benefits.

» Learn more: 4 key differences between a passport card and book

Nexus membership costs $50 for five years, but the Nexus card is free with membership. There are several credit cards that reimburse the Nexus membership fee:

on Chase's website

$0 intro for the first year, then $95 .

Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card.

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.

Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS fee credit.

Aeroplan® Credit Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card .

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card .

United Quest℠ Card .

If you frequently travel between both countries, consider one of the cards above to get your membership fee reimbursed.

» Learn more: 8 credit cards that reimburse Nexus

Although Nexus and Global Entry share many features, the Nexus card might be a better option if you:

Travel frequently between the U.S. and Canada by both land and air.

Travel with children. Nexus is free for those younger than 18, while the $100 fee for Global Entry is the same for everyone, regardless of age.

Don’t have a travel rewards credit card that will reimburse the Global Entry membership fee . Nexus is half the price of Global Entry, so if you’re paying out of pocket, Nexus can save you some cash.

» Learn more: Global Entry vs. Nexus

The main reason you might want to pass on the Nexus card is because the final step in the application process is an in-person interview. These interviews occur at a handful of places only, including select U.S.-Canada land border crossings and airports in Canada.

If you'll have a difficult time making it to one of these locations, the Nexus card might not be a good choice for you.

» Learn more: What is Global Entry and how do I get it?

Nexus membership is open to citizens and permanent residents of both Canada and the U.S., as well as Mexican nationals who are members of Mexico’s trusted traveler program, Viajero Confiable.

To get your application approved, you need to prove that you’re a low-risk traveler. This step includes verifying that you:

Haven't been convicted of a crime.

Have no outstanding warrants.

Aren't subject to an ongoing investigation by a law enforcement agency.

Haven't violated customs, immigration or agriculture-related laws.

Both the U.S. and Canada need to approve your application. Once it's approved, you'll set up an appointment for an in-person interview, which can be held at border crossings in Canada and the U.S., as well as Canadian airports.

Consider scheduling your interview at a smaller location, as these tend to be less booked.

The Nexus card is a great option for people who travel frequently between the U.S. and Canada. In addition to offering the same benefits as Global Entry, the Nexus card is less expensive and can be used for both air and vehicle travel between the two countries.

However, the application process includes an in-person interview. If it would be a challenge for you to get to one of the limited interview locations, you may want to skip the Nexus card and apply for Global Entry.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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Information for people in Newcastle upon Tyne

Home Information Concessionary travel

Concessionary travel

Page contents:

There are a number of ways to travel across the country, across the North East and in Newcastle. Here we draw attention to all the options available.

Am I eligible for a Concessionary Travel Pass?

You are eligible for an English National Concessionary travel pass, also known as a free bus pass, once you reach your 66th birthday. It is free for your first year.

Individuals with certain disabilities can also get an English National Concessionary travel pass. To check if you’re eligible visit newcastle.gov.uk .

Where can I use my bus pass?

With an English National Concessionary Travel Pass you can travel for free on:

• any Tyne and Wear bus from 9.30am weekdays, and all day at weekends and on public holidays
• for 60p on the Shields Ferry from 9.30am Monday to Friday, all day at weekends and on public holidays
• for 50p on Northern Rail services between Newcastle and Metrocentre/Blaydon, from 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on public holidays
• any local bus in England (including all major cities) between 9.30am to11.00pm weekdays, and all day at weekends and on public holidays

For further information contact Nexus .

How to apply for a free bus pass

You can apply for your English National Concessionary travel pass up to 28 days before you become eligible. It is worth doing this as it may take 28 days for your to receive it. You can either:

• apply for the first time online (older or disabled people)
• renew or request a replacement online (older or disabled people )

Travel shops are now closed.   The application form to apply for the first time or renew is available to download .  You will need a photo. You can ask for help or a postal form by telephone: 0191 202 0747.

Updating your Concessionary Travel Pass

If your English National Concessionary Travel Pass is about to expire you can renew it on the month that it’s due to expire or the month before that. You don’t need to send off your old pass.

If your details have changed, such as your address or name,  you need to inform Nexus . 

Lost your Concessionary Travel Pass?

If you think that you have lost your concessionary travel pass whilst using public transport, contact the appropriate operator. This will either be

Go North East

Your pass may have been handed in to the driver. If you are unsure which operator’s service you can check on Traveline or contact Nexus .

If your pass has not been found you will need to apply for a new English National Concessionary Travel Pass at a cost of £5.

Is your Concessionary Bus Pass valid?

Ticket machines on local bus services now tell you if your Concessionary Travel Pass is not valid for travel.

Why would your pass be cancelled?

• if you informed your card issuer that your pass is lost or stolen.
• if your pass is being used fraudulently by someone other than you the pass holder.
• if you are no longer entitled to concessionary travel.

What happens if the ticket machine says your pass has been cancelled?

• if your pass is not valid you are not entitled to free concessionary travel
• the driver will tell you that your pass is not valid. You will be asked to pay the normal adult fare. If you don’t want to pay the fare you can’t travel.
• contact your card issuer using the phone number shown on the back of your pass as soon as you are able to arrange for a new pass to be issued.

If you have more than one pass how do you know which one is valid? If you have more than one pass, use the pass with the longest expiry date. Other passes with an earlier date will have been cancelled and will not be valid for travel.

For more details call the phone number on the back of your pass.

Free bus travel for companions

A Companion Card lets you take someone with you free of charge when you travel on buses in Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Northumberland and Darlington. It’s available to residents of Tyne and Wear who receive certain allowances and are not able to travel without a companion.

Metro Gold Card from Tyne and Wear Metro

If you have an English National Concessionary travel pass, you can apply for a Metro Gold Card . This gives you unlimited travel on Tyne and Wear Metro, on Northern Rail services between Newcastle and Sunderland and also the Shields Ferry.

The Gold card offer can be used all day at weekends and on public holidays and weekdays after 9.30 am. This is known as ‘off peak’. If you have a hospital appointment you can use your pass before 9.30 am if you carry and show your hospital letter. During July and August and between Christmas and New Year, you can travel before 9.30 am.

The card costs £12 a year if you live in Tyne and Wear or £24 if you live outside Tyne and Wear. Your Gold card will be loaded onto your English National Concessionary Travel Pass.  You can do this at a Metro station ticket machine.

For further information, including how to apply contact  Nexus .

You can renew your Gold Card up to 7 days before your current pass expires.  To check the expiry date touch your CT Pass on the orange reader at a Metro station. Or, if you have an NFC (near field communication) enabled smartphone, install their Pop card checker app and check your expiry date using your phone. Visit Google Play and search for Pop card checker.

Lost your Metro Gold Card?

If you have lost your Metro Gold Card with your Concessionary Travel Pass on it you will need to report it to Nexus as soon as possible. You will then need to purchase a new Metro Gold Card from your local travel shop.

Concessionary Ferry Fares

You can get discounted fares on the Shields Ferry with your English National Concessionary Travel Card if you live in Tyne and Wear. Pay 60p single from 9.30am Monday to Friday, all day at weekends and on public holidays.

If you have a Metro Gold Card, you can travel for free on the Shields Ferry from 9.30am Monday to Friday, all day at weekends, on public holidays and throughout July and August.

For more information about concessionary ferry fares visit Nexus.org.uk

Reduced cost Metro travel

Tyne and Wear Metro offer some cheaper ways to travel

Metro families offer: Up to three children aged 11 and under can now travel free on Metro with a fare-paying adult. This includes someone with a Gold Card.

Under 16 year olds: can get discounted travel on the metro with a POP card

Day tickets: for unlimited travel

Senior Railcard

The Senior Railcard is available to anyone aged 60 years old or over and will save you 1/3 of the cost of most rail fares to almost anywhere in Great Britain, including certain fares on various rail or sea journeys.

A one year railcard costs £30 and a three year card costs £70.

To apply, you can get an application form from railway station ticket offices or a National Rail-licensed Travel Agent. The completed form needs to be handed in together with proof of your age, such as your Birth Certificate, Passport or Driving Licence.

You can also purchase or renew your Senior Railcard online or over the phone. You will need proof of your age/identity, so have your Birth Certificate, Passport or Driving Licence to hand when you call. You can’t apply for a Senior Railcard by post.

As well as making savings on rail fares, the Senior Railcard also entitles you to other special offers, such as on London theatre tickets.

Disabled Person’s Railcard

The Disabled Person’s Railcard is available to disabled people and provides 1/3 off most rail fares across Britain for you and a companion. You can apply on their website or download an application form to return in the post.

Other useful railcards

• Veterans Railcard for those who have served for at least one day or more in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve). Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations are also eligible.
• 16-25 Railcard for anyone aged 16 to 25, or in full time study.
• 26-30 Railcard   for anyone aged 26 to 30.
• Family & Friends Railcard   for anyone travelling with one child, or more.
• Two Together Railcard  for two named adults travelling together.
• Network Railcard   for travel in the South East of England
• 16-17 Saver   for anyone aged 16 or 17.

Other Useful Information

• Day Trips and Visits article on Information Now 
• The Elders Council of Newcastle publish EC Rider , a Summer Outings leaflet with ideas and tips on days out using your concessionary travel pass.
• North East and Cumbria Hubs Mobility Advice Service   offer free advice on using public transport and and alternate travel options.

Last updated: November 10, 2023

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Useful organisations

Website: arrivabus.co.uk

Tel: 0344 800 4411

Address: ARRIVA North East Ltd , NE2 1QS

Email: [email protected]

Website: disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk

Tel: 0345 605 0525

Address: Disabled Persons Railcard Office , DD11 9AN

Elders Council of Newcastle (Older People’s Forum)

Website: elderscouncil.org.uk

Tel: 0191 208 2701

Address: The Elders Council of Newcastle , NE4 5PL

Website: gonortheast.co.uk/services

Tel: 0191 420 5050

Address: Go North East , NE8 1BR

Website: nexus.org.uk

Tel: 0191 203 3333

Helpline: 0191 20 20 747

North East and Cumbria Hubs Mobility Advice Service

Website: cntw.nhs.uk/nedm

Tel: 07816 129 405

Helpline: 0191 287 5090

Address: Walkergate Park Hospital , NE6 4 UD

Website: senior-railcard.co.uk

Tel: 0345 3000 250

Address: National Railcards , LE65 9FA

Stagecoach North East – Customer Services

Website: stagecoachbus.com

Tel: 0191 566 0231

Address: Stagecoach North East , SR5 1AQ

Website: traveline.info

Tel: 0871 200 22 33

Address: Customer Services Traveline Information Ltd , WC2A 1QS

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• Concessionary travel

Residents who are disabled (over 16)

If you are over 16 and physically disabled you may be eligible for reduced or free travel on public transport in the borough.

You can make a first time application with Gateshead Council by contacting our Customer Service Team on 0191 433 3000 or  download one here (PDF) [204KB] (opens new window) . 

Visit the Nexus website (opens new window) for more information about concessionary travel for disabled residents

Residents aged over 60

Passes for older people and renewals of a current pass will be handled by Nexus. 

The Government has changed the age at which people become eligible for a travel pass and people no longer receive a free bus pass on their 60th birthday.

Instead both men and women become eligible in line with the rise in the age at which women become eligible for a state pension. 

Visit the Nexus website (opens new window) for more information about concessionary travel for older residents.

Contact Adult Social Care

There are many ways to contact the adult social care team, both online and over the phone.

We encourage people who can contact us online to do so, as it helps to free up phone lines for emergencies or for those who don't have access to or the skills to use computers.

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Awesome free bus travel on Sundays to be offered in Devon

DevonBus Partnership brings in free Sunday bus travel across north of county

• 10:05, 1 JUN 2024

Get the pick of the week's best stories and fascinating features direct to your inbox every Saturday and Sunday morning in our exclusive Weekender newsletter

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Free bus travel is being offered in North Devon on Sundays this month in a bid to promote public transport and encourage more leisure travel. Residents and visitors across North Devon will be able to benefit from the offer, which starts this tomorrow (June 2) on all services in and out of Barnstaple . It will also be available on June 9 and 16.

The free Sunday travel is being delivered through the DevonBus Partnership on all Sunday bus services in North Devon, in conjunction with operators Stagecoach and Filers Travel. It is supported through Devon County Council ’s Bus Service Improvement Plan using Department for Transport funding.

The offer is designed to encourage more people to use a bus for leisure, to explore their local area, visit family and friends and enjoy the scenic North Devon coast without the worry of transport costs. Stagecoach South West managing director Peter Knight said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to North Devon residents thanks to funding from Devon County Council.

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“We recognise the importance of highlighting the benefits of bus travel for both the environment and local economy. By providing free Sunday travel, we hope to reduce road congestion, lower carbon emissions, and support local businesses by making it easier for residents to travel.”

Andrew Draper, transport manager at Filers Travel, said: “With free Sunday bus travel throughout June, this is a fantastic opportunity for both residents and visitors alike to get out and explore all the wonderful sights and attractions that North Devon has to offer. We are proud to be working alongside Devon County Council and our fellow bus operators in encouraging everyone to enjoy our region by sustainable public transport.”

Cllr Andrea Davis, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, said: “This is a great example of how working together through the DevonBus Partnership is helping people in the county. It’s an opportunity for people living in or visiting North Devon to try the free Sunday bus services for a day out.

“Hopefully people will realise the benefits of bus travel and it will help increase bus patronage locally. Combined with the £2 fare for bus journeys on other days or free travel with a concessionary bus pass, there’s never been a better time to catch the bus.”

The routes included in the offer cover a wide area across North Devon and detailed information about the specific routes and timetables can be found on the Stagecoach South West website .Devon County Council said the partnership offer is part of the joint long-standing commitment to providing reliable and affordable services while working together to enhance the travel experience for passengers and support sustainable travel solutions.

⚠️ Want the latest Devon breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group . We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice ⚠️

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Under 18? Get free Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI after 10/1/24 ( fees increasing to $120 for everyone else )

• June 2, 2024

We may receive a commission when you use our links. Monkey Miles is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com and CardRatings. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Monkey Miles is also a Senior Advisor to Bilt Rewards. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI will be increasing their fees to $120 effective October 1st, 2024 ( Citi and Chase have already indicated that they will increase the fee reimbursement for cards that currently come with it – see this list here ).

Higher fees are always a drag, but there is a bit of good news buried in the change…those under 18 won’t any fees to pay. Let’s take a look at the changes – good news that under 18s are free.

• Global Entry Under 18s pay $100 before 10/1/24
• Nexus has no fee
• SENTRI ( currently $14.50 for 14+ )
• Goes into effect 10/1/24
• NEXUS fee goes from $50 to $120
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It’ll be interesting if the litany of credit cards that offer up Global Entry and TSA Pre fee credits will amend their reimbursement caps to allow for the fee increases. I’d guess this will happen, but there is no guarantee.

For more information on TTP, follow  @CBP  or visit  ttp.dhs.gov .

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

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After CT bus’s free fares go away, ridership takes a dive

When a bus ride in Connecticut was free, Jonathan Parrilla found himself hopping on public transit in Bridgeport. But he stopped taking the bus a year ago, when the state ended a year-long free fare program for Connecticut buses.

“When I saw that the fares were free, I said: ‘Hell, why not?’” said Parrilla, 33, of Bridgeport. “I have saved a lot of money on gas. ... But now that they are no longer free, it's time to spend a lot of money on gasoline again."

He isn’t the only one.

Federal Transit Administration data shows decreased use of several city bus routes across Connecticut since the fares were reinstated in April 2023.

From March 2023, the last month of free rides, to March 2024, the most recent data published by the Federal Transit Administration, there was a ridership drop of 33% in the CT Transit Stamford Division, 28% in the Hartford Division, 27% in the New Haven Division and 13% in Waterbury.

The FTA tracks “unlinked passenger trips,” which refers to instances where passengers board public transportation vehicles, regardless of how many vehicles they use to complete their journey.

Multiple calls and emails were sent to Connecticut Department of Transportation officials, who did not respond to a request for comment or additional state data.

Sharon Romero, 56, commutes daily to Stratford from Bridgeport. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, she spent approximately $80 to $100 per week on public transportation, underscoring the financial strain that many commuters endure.

"When bus fares were free, I felt a relief in my salary; I saved a lot of money because of it," Romero said.

In 2022, during the pandemic, CTDOT implemented a free-fare policy, using federal funds to encourage essential travel and mitigate financial burdens on commuters.

As a result, from April to September 2022, there was a notable bump in bus ridership in the state, according to federal data.

New Haven's ridership increased 37%. Stamford saw a 40% jump. Hartford saw a 52% increase, while Waterbury's ridership rose 28%.

Throughout the rest of 2022 and into early 2023, ridership numbers remained at higher levels.

The reintroduction of fares drew the attention of numerous bus riders, prompting them to form the Transit Riders Union of Connecticut (TRUC) to advocate for the reinstatement of free fares.

Among them was Jay Stange, coordinator of the Transport Hartford Academy Center for Latino Progress, who has been an advocate for public transit riders at the state level. He pointed out that the more people use public transportation, the less carbon monoxide will be emitted by vehicles.

A recent report released by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection highlighted transportation as the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state.

"We need more people to ride the bus for ecological reasons and economic reasons too," Stange said. "Public transportation plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and alleviating traffic congestion, while also offering a cost-effective mobility solution for individuals and families."

Stange, along with fellow TRUC members, sent a letter to Gov. Ned Lamont requesting the reinstatement of free fares on public transport.

Looking ahead, Stange hinted at the possibility of revisiting the request for free fares on buses but emphasized the need for robust infrastructure, reliable schedules, and enhanced amenities to attract and retain riders.

"It is too difficult for an average person to get around with public transport,” Strange said. “Some stops are very far away and for people with disabilities, it is too difficult.”

Ridership dips

Here’s a look at bus ridership across Connecticut from March 2023 to March 2024:

• Stamford division: 2023: 343,425 unlinked passenger trips; 2024: 229,202 
• New Haven division: 2023: 670,569; 2024: 490,586 
• Hartford division: 2023: 1,370,397; 2024: 980,532 
• Waterbury division: 2023: 164,469; 2024: 141,816 

Source: Federal Transit Administration

Brandon Cortés is a journalism major at Southern Connecticut State University. This story is republished via CT Community News , a service of the Connecticut Student Journalism Collaborative, an organization sponsored by journalism departments at college and university campuses across the state.

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Samara city, Russia

The capital city of Samara oblast .

Samara - Overview

Samara is one of the largest cities in Russia located in the middle reaches of the Volga River, the administrative center of Samara Oblast. It is a major economic, transport, scientific, educational, and cultural center.

The population of Samara is about 1,137,000 (2022), the area - 541 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 846, the postal codes - 443000-443904.

Samara city flag

Samara city coat of arms.

Samara city map, Russia

Samara city latest news and posts from our blog:.

15 February, 2020 / Syzran - the view from above .

4 April, 2019 / Cities of Russia at Night - the Views from Space .

26 January, 2018 / Samara - the view from above .

4 December, 2017 / Stadiums and Matches of the World Cup 2018 in Russia .

21 November, 2016 / Park of the History of Equipment in Tolyatti .

More posts..

History of Samara

Foundation of samara.

For the first time, the name of the Samara River was mentioned in the notes of the secretary of the Arab embassy and traveler Ahmed ibn Fadlan as “Samur” in 921. In 1586, by the decree of Tsar Feodor I Ioannovich, the fortress named “Samarskiy gorodok” (literally “the town of Samara”) was founded on the bank of the Samara River near its confluence with the Volga.

Its main purpose was to control the vast territory of the middle reaches of the Volga and the mouth of the Samara, to protect Russia from the raids of nomads, and to provide a waterway from Kazan to Astrakhan.

During the 17th century, the fortress grew and continued to fortify. In 1688, it was renamed and became the town of Samara. After the devastating fires of 1700 and 1703, a new (so-called “earthen”) fortress was built in Samara in 1704-1706. In the 1740s, Samara became the center of the Orenburg expedition, which founded the towns of Orenburg and Stavropol-on-Volga (present-day Tolyatti).

In 1780, the coat of arms of Samara was approved with the following description: “A wild white goat standing on the grass in a blue field”. The image of the coat of arms exactly repeated the banner of the Samara regiment from the collection of banners of the regiments of the Russian Empire (1729-1730). In 1782, the first site plan for the town’s development was approved.

More Historical Facts…

Samara in the 19th - the first half of the 20th centuries

In 1850, Emperor Nicholas I issued a decree on the creation of the Samara Governorate with the center in Samara. The population of the town was about 15 thousand people. By the end of the 19th century, it increased to 90 thousand people. By 1916, about 150 thousand people lived in Samara.

During this period, the Samara Governorate ranked first in the Russian Empire in terms of the amount of harvested wheat. In 1874, the construction of the Orenburg Railway began. In 1877, it passed through Samara. The Samara pier was one of the best on the Volga River. In 1915, the first electric tram started operating.

In 1928, Samara became the center of Middle Volga Oblast. In 1929, it was transformed into Middle Volga Krai. In 1935, the region was renamed Kuybyshev Krai. In December 1936, after secession from the region of the Mordovian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, it was transformed into Kuybyshev Oblast. On January 27, 1935, Samara was renamed Kuybyshev, in honor of the Soviet statesman and party leader V.V. Kuybyshev (1888-1935).

In July-October 1941, during the Second World War, a number of enterprises from the western regions of the USSR and their personnel with their families were evacuated to this city, as well as The Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Union (the highest collegial body of executive and administrative authority), The Supreme Soviet of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (the most authoritative legislative body), diplomatic missions, large cultural institutions (for example, the Bolshoi Theater, Mosfilm). This city became, in fact, the second capital of the USSR after Moscow.

A special underground bunker-residence was built for Stalin, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. However, the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command, the State Defense Committee (the highest authority in the country), and the General Staff of the Red Army remained in Moscow. On March 5, 1942, Shostakovich’s Seventh Leningrad Symphony was completed and performed for the first time in Kuybyshev.

From 1940 to 1945, the level of industrial production in the city increased 5.5 times. The population grew from 400 to 600 thousand people. During the war years, about 28 thousand Il-2 and Il-10 attack aircraft were produced at its factories - about 80% of their total number.

Samara in the second half of the 20th century and beyond

After the Second World War, Kuybyshev became one of the largest industrial and cultural centers in the USSR. The city economy was based on the aviation, space, machine-building, metallurgical, electrical, cable, oil refining, and light industries. From 1960 to 1991, because of the large number of military enterprises, Kuibyshev was a city closed to foreigners.

All Soviet and Russian cosmonauts were launched into space on R-7 launch vehicles produced by the Samara enterprise “TsSKB-Progress” (JSC “Space Rocket Centre “Progress”). This also applies to the first cosmonaut of the planet Yuri Gagarin. After landing in the area of the city of Engels, he was taken to Kuybyshev for rest. From here he reported by phone to the head of state N.S. Khrushchev on the successful completion of the first manned space flight in the history of mankind.

In addition to the development of industry, there were significant changes in the socio-economic development of the city. On September 14, 1967, the millionth resident was born in Kuybyshev. In 1968, the TU-154 aircraft began to be mass-produced in Samara. In 1987, the city reached its maximum population of 1,280,000 people.

On January 25, 1991, the historical name Samara was returned to the city. In the 1990s, after the collapse of the USSR, the problem of transforming military enterprises for the production of civilian products arose. A lot of large enterprises went bankrupt. Small-scale production of goods appeared in their place, as well as shopping centers and various cultural institutions (clubs, movie theaters, bars, restaurants, etc.). The loss of jobs, the slowdown in economic growth had a negative impact on the demographic situation and the state of the city’s infrastructure.

In the 2000s, the construction segment was actively developing in Samara. At the same time, there was no general strategy for building the city, which eventually led to a deterioration in the general architectural style of the city and the quality of the infrastructure. In 2018, six matches of the FIFA World Cup were held in Samara.

Samara views

Modern architecture in Samara

Author: Roman Komissarov

Apartment buildings in Samara

Samara cityscape

Author: Dyomin Ivan

Samara - Features

Samara is located on the left bank of the Volga River (Saratov Reservoir) opposite the Samara bend, at the confluence of the Samara (hence the city’s name) and Sok rivers. The City Day of Samara is celebrated on the second weekend of September.

The climate is moderately continental. Summers are hot and rather humid. Winters are moderately frosty, snowy and long. The average temperature in July is plus 23.5 degrees Celsius, in January - minus 9.9 degrees Celsius.

Samara is a major center for mechanical engineering and metalworking, food, as well as space and aviation industries. It is one of the main scientific centers of Russia in the space and aviation fields.

The city is one of the largest transport hubs in Russia, through which the shortest routes from Central and Western Europe to Siberia, Central Asia, and Kazakhstan run. The Kurumoch International Airport located 42 km from Samara offers regular flights to Volgograd, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Krasnodar, Moscow, Nizhnevartovsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Novy Urengoy, Omsk, Perm, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Surgut, Ufa, Dubai, Istanbul, and other cities.

From the pier of the Samara river station, you can go on boat trips along the Volga, cruises to cities located along the river - Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Volgograd, Tolyatti. Passenger transportation in the city is carried out by buses, minibuses, trams, trolleybuses, and the subway.

The architectural heritage of Samara that has survived to this day is one of the richest in Russia. During a walking tour of the historical center of Samara, you can see buildings of the 19th - early 20th centuries preserving the atmosphere of an old merchant city. Samara has one of the longest river embankments in Russia (about 5 km) and the tallest railway station building in Europe (101 meters) with an observation deck (Komsomolskaya Square, 1).

In Samara, the most popular urban legends are associated with underground objects and tunnels through which you can allegedly go under the Volga River and get out on its other bank or on the islands. Rumors about the presence of a network of underground communications are caused by the presence of a large cave within the city limits (The Brothers Greve Cave), as well as a large number of underground structures, such as Stalin’s Bunker, Beria’s Bunker, and the former Army Headquarters bunker.

Main Attractions of Samara

Samara Embankment - one of the most beautiful places in Samara and one of the best embankments in Russia. It stretches along the bank of the Volga for more than 4 km and descends to the river in terraces. A lot of tourists, having arrived in the city, immediately go to the embankment to see the Volga. Residents of Samara also love to come here, breathe clean air and enjoy the picturesque panorama of the great Russian river.

From the nearby pier, ships go on river cruises along the Volga. A river trip is a great opportunity to admire Samara and a good alternative to a bus tour of the city on a hot summer day. City holidays are often held on the embankment.

The embankment of Samara harmoniously combines the advantages of the beach and promenade with places for active recreation and sports. There are cafes and restaurants, benches and fountains, boat and bicycle rentals, paths for cyclists and roller skaters.

There are a lot of interesting art objects on this embankment including a monument to a heating radiator, the sculptural composition “The Barge Haulers on the Volga” and a sculpture of Comrade Sukhov from the famous Soviet movie “White Sun of the Desert”, who was a native of a village near Samara.

Zhigulevskoye Brewery - one of the most visited sights of Samara, which is the birthplace of the famous throughout Russia “Zhigulevskoye” beer. Here you can not only taste original beers, but also go on an excursion and observe the production process.

This brewery located on the bank of the Volga River is one of the oldest in Russia. It was built by the hereditary Austrian brewer Alfred von Vacano in 1881. The building of the brewery is a monument of architecture and an object of cultural heritage of Russia. Volzhskiy Avenue, 4.

Iversky Convent (1860) - a beautiful architectural complex located in the immediate vicinity of Zhigulevskoye Brewery. There are several churches here. You can walk around the territory of the monastery. Volzhskiy Avenue, 1.

Samara Space Museum - one of the youngest museums in the city opened in 2007. It immediately became one of the symbols of Samara. Here you can see a real Soyuz launch vehicle organically integrated into the facade of the museum building. This architectural project has become one of the most original and interesting in Samara.

Actually, the museum is a pedestal on which the rocket stands. Together with the spacecraft, its height reaches 68 m. The exposition is divided into two parts. The first includes space instruments and spacecraft models. The second part is devoted not so much to technology as to people in space, their way of life and everyday activities. Lenin Avenue, 21.

Stalin’s Bunker - one of the alternative locations of the headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the USSR I.V. Stalin, built in Samara at a depth of 37 meters in 1942. Until 1990, it was a classified object. Today, a museum dedicated to the Second World War is open in the bunker.

The object is located under the building of the Academy of Culture and Art, which previously housed the Kuibyshev Regional Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. For the construction of the bunker, the design of the metro station “Aeroport” in Moscow was copied. Frunze Street, 167.

Monuments in Samara

Monument to Soldiers-Internationalists in Samara

Author: Alexandr Strogino

Monument to Sergei Kirov in Samara

Author: Razorenov Roman

Monument to Il-2 attack aircraft in Samara

Author: Nikolay Komarkov

Samara Regional Art Museum . The core of the museum collection is made up of paintings by local artists created at the turn of the 20th century and works by Russian artists of the early 20th century. Today, this museum also has such exhibits as paintings, graphics, works of the Russian avant-garde and Soviet art of the 1920-1970s, paintings by European painters.

In total, the collection has over 35 thousand paintings displayed in five permanent exhibitions. The museum is located in the very center of Samara and occupies one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Kuybysheva Street, 92.

Samara Children’s Art Gallery . This museum occupies a very picturesque merchant’s mansion that once belonged to Ivan Klodt, an architectural monument of federal significance of the 19th century. Art works created by children, students and graduates of art schools are exhibited here. The gallery also has a museum of everyday life and culture of the late 19th - early 20th centuries and a museum of arts and crafts. Kuybysheva Street, 139.

Mansion of Alexandra Kurlina (Museum of Modernism) . This Art Nouveau house built in 1903 and standing at the intersection of Krasnoarmeyskaya and Frunze Streets is one of the most interesting architectural monuments of Samara. In 2013, a permanent exhibition in three rooms on the ground floor was opened: “study”, “boudoir”, and “dining room”. The exposition presents furniture, clothing, paintings, accessories of European and Russian masters of the early 20th century. In total, the house has 22 rooms, each of which is unique in its own way. Frunze Street, 159.

Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1902-1906). This neo-Gothic building, unusual for this part of Russia, was built at the expense of the Catholic community of Samara, which consisted mainly of Poles. In 1991, the church was returned to the Catholic community. It was restored and re-consecrated. Today, it also hosts concerts of sacred and classical music. Frunze Street, 157.

House with Elephants (1908-1909) - the former summer residence of the Samara merchant and traveler Konstantin Golovkin, built in the Art Nouveau style on the bank of the Volga, an architectural monument and an object of cultural heritage of Russia. Two full-size sculptures of elephants installed in front of the facade overlooking the Volga gave this building its name. Sovetskoy Armii Street, 292.

Stele “Ladya” (1986) - a monumental white sculptural composition 20 meters high erected to the 400th anniversary of Samara. The monument depicts a stylized old sailing boat floating on the waves. In the middle of the “sail” there is a bas-relief depicting the coat of arms of Samara. This is a popular place for wedding photo sessions, meetings, festivities, and other events. Sofiyskaya Embankment (Lesnaya Street, 23).

Glory Monument (1971). This majestic monument is dedicated to the workers of the Kuybyshev aviation industry, who made a huge contribution to the victory of the USSR in the Second World War. It is a 13-meter figure of a worker standing on a 40-meter pedestal facing the Volga. The worker is holding a stylized aircraft in his raised arms. Sometimes this monument is mistaken for a monument to Yuri Gagarin. Slavy Square.

Leningradskaya Street - a tourist alley in the historic center of Samara with a length of 1.7 km. One of its parts between Galaktionovskaya and Kuybysheva streets is pedestrian. Here you can find mansions of the 19th-20th centuries, shops, boutiques, hotels, etc.

Observation Deck “Vertoletka” (“Helicopter”) . From here, stunning panoramic views of Samara, the Volga River, Zhigulevskie mountains, and the Samara bend open up. The territory is landscaped, there is a restaurant and a summer cafe. Vetvistaya Street, 1.

“The Motor World of Vyacheslav Sheyanov” - a unique museum in Russia, where you can immerse yourself in the living history of the Golden Age of motorcycles (1930-1945). Located near Samara, it has a unique collection of restored motorcycles with an engine capacity of over 750 cubic centimeters produced in Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Poland, USSR, USA, France, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Japan. In total, there are more than 100 exhibits here. Samara Oblast, Petra Dubrava, Klimova Street, 2b.

Samara city of Russia photos

Pictures of samara.

Bus stop and an entertainment center in Samara

Samara - the view from above

Samara - one of the centers of river cruises

Author: Yuri Gusev

Churches in Samara

Chapel in honor of Metropolitan of Moscow Alexy in Samara

Author: Franz Schiffers

Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Samara

Armenian Apostolic Church in Samara

Author: Anton Starikov

The questions of our visitors

All 5 questions

Understand [ edit ]

Samara was founded in 1586 with the construction of a Russian fortress on the Volga. However, settlement there had been mentioned since at least the 14th century. During World War II, Samara, then named Kuibyshev, was the second capital of USSR. The city's growth was stimulated during the war due to its proximity to Moscow but distance from the war zone; several government offices were evacuated to Kuibyshev when Moscow was under threat. The post-war development of the Volga-Urals oilfield also helped. Kuibyshev reverted to being Samara in 1991.

As a cultural centre, Samara has attracted several famous creative Russians. The likes of writers Tolstoy and Gorky, painters Ilya Repin, Vasily Surikov and Ivan Aivazovsky, and revolutionaries Michael Frunze and Vladimir Lenin have all lived in the city. Even Alexandre Dumas visited in 1858, he describes his whole journey, including his impressions of Samara, in From Paris to Astrakhan .

By train [ edit ]

Almost all trains connecting with Siberia and Russian Far East calls here. There are at least five departures every day from Moscow , including the Zhiguli deluxe train. Journey times varies between 13-20 hours depending on which train. There are daily trains from Saint Petersburg , with the fastest service that runs every second day taking just 18 hours. Overnight trains arrives from Yekaterinburg too.

By car [ edit ]

If traveling by own car, Samara is along the M5 Highway, also known as Ural Highway . Distance from Moscow is just over 1000 km.

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ]

• The beach by Volga in the city center.
• Visit the space museum.
• Visit the shopping street Leningradskaya.

Drink [ edit ]

Drink original Zhigulyovskoye beer in Na dne bar or in posh U Vakano restaurant (both in Volzhskiy prospekt, 4 , near the old brewery).

Sleep [ edit ]

• Renaissance Samara Hotel , Novo-Sadovaya St. 162 , ☏ +7 846 277 8340 . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Smart business hotel. Bbroadband internet. 24-hour business center, gym, indoor pool, massage, bowling alley and billiards. Nearby is a beautiful park. 10 km from the hotel to the city center.  
• Ibis Samara Hotel , Novo-Sadovaya St. 160 D , ☏ +7 846 3396850 , fax : +7 (846) 3396851 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . 204 rooms. Air-conditioning. Safe deposit box in room. Parking. Wi-Fi. Restaurant, 24/7 bar. 3 conference rooms for seminars and conferences. Nearby is a beautiful park. 10 km from the hotel to the city center. $70-110 .  
• Holiday Inn Hotel , Alekseya Tolstogo St. 99 , ☏ +7 846 372-70-00 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Smart business hotel in the historical and cultural center of the city, within 5 minutes walk from the Volga river embankment. Parking. Wi-Fi. Gym, indoor pool, massage & spa. 177 guest rooms, 8 Junior Suites, and a Presidential Suite. 9 technology equipped meeting rooms. Atrium restaurant, lobby cafe, 'Brasserie' restaurant, 'Red room' restaurant. Travel agency. $150-500 .  

Connect [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], visa centers [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

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