A partnership with First Travel Solutions (FTS) and YHA is ensuring affordable and sustainable travel for schools that are taking part in a Generation Green-funded programme.

With travel costs often being prohibitive for schools, FTS has teamed up with YHA to ensure schools visiting the YHA network can access the discount as well as other benefits.

FTS provides managed transport throughout the UK using coaches with EURO V or EURO VI engines, these are the cleanest on the UK's roads.

Rick Smith, Head of Education and School Travel at FTS and a former YHA hostel manager, said: "As well as providing value for money, we also focus on sustainability and the impact of travel on our environment.  This fits with our wider environmental aims and is important for our involvement in the Generation Green programme and its wider aims."

As part of the partnership FTS provides a dedicated booking contact and invoicing process for each school.  All vehicles are monitored by a 24hr control room and FTS will also replace a vehicle at no additional cost in the case of a breakdown.

As a formal tour operator, FTS also adheres to regulations guarding against any unforeseen financial failure, which ensures schools' deposits are 100% protected.

Rick added: "We are very proud to be working with YHA on the travel aspects of the Generation Green programme.  We have been longstanding partners in other areas of the charity's work and fully support the aims and objectives of this wonderful organisation.  Finding a safe coach travel option for any off-site school trip or residential visit is immensely important and requires attention to detail in the planning and delivery.  We provide a high-quality coach travel service to schools and groups across the whole of the UK on a daily basis."

To access the discount, schools simply email FTS with details of their visit and a discount is immediately applied.  Simple as that!