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is launched to providers
 Cllr John Byrne and Margaret Asquith, Head of Children's Services, with some of the young people involved in the scheme. |
Bolton has been at the forefront of the development of citizen smart cards and the BSmart campaign is a great leap forward and is the trailblazer for everyone in Bolton to make electronic emoney transactions in the future.
Everyone knows how quickly young people adopt new technologies and using smart technology is second nature for the target group so the 12 month pilot will be off to a good start.
The government will be offering bursaries of £35 per month to young people who are aged 13 to 16 who are looked-after or in receipt of free school meals.*
To enhance the project every 11 to 16 year old in Bolton can have a BSmart card which they and their parents will be able to credit using a secure online account, and in this way everyone will be able to use emoney transactions and gain the experience of managing an account over the internet.
Young people were asked what they thought the card should be called and look like and real young people from Bolton took part in the photo sessions for the supporting materials for the card, and we know many are looking forward to being able to use the card.
BSmart is free to all young people aged 11 to 16 and these are the benefits
- Use BSmart at lots of outlets offering all sorts of activities for young people.
- Some young people, aged 13 to 16 can get a government bursary of £35 a month to spend on activities*
- All young people can load their cards online - so no more lost cash!
- It's a concessionary bus travel card
- It's a library card
The BSmart Steering Group has done a lot of work with providers and already have agreement from Bolton Wanderers, Bolton Leisure Trust, Bolton Lads & Girls, the Octagon and more. Organisations such as Smithills School will not only be providers but will also assist in rolling out the card to pupils.
If you have any questions about how you can get involved, contact 01204 334917
