School summer holidays may have only just begun – but transport companies and the county council have linked up to offer post-16 students new fare deals.

However there are fears that the number of offers on the table could be confusing for youngsters preparing for the sixth form.

Rail company Greater Anglia has introduced new “scholars’ tickets” which can be bought through their school or college which offers season tickets with a 50% discount for travel to and from their studies.

The scheme is available throughout the Greater Anglia area – and its launch comes as Suffolk County Council is preparing for the launch of its Endeavour Card, its replacement for the Explore Card.

This is an “Oyster-style” card aimed at giving sixth-formers, college students, and those on apprenticeships discounted travel.

Several bus companies, including Ipswich Buses and First Group, have signed up to the scheme. Eventually the technology that is being installed into the buses could enable a county-wide Oyster scheme to be introduced, allowing passengers to travel on buses without carrying cash, but that is some years away.

A spokesman for Greater Anglia said the rail company had had an initial contact with the county council about taking part in the Endeavour Card – but there had been no further discussions at this stage. However it could take part in further discussions in the future.

Greater Anglia’s commercial director Andrew Camp said: “The Post 16 Travel Scheme makes rail travel a fast, easy and affordable route to further education.

“It means that ticket prices are not a barrier to school-leavers when choosing a college and taking the first steps towards fulfilling their ambitions.”