Since its launch, the scheme has worked with more than 40 young people and received 163 referrals.
While the main purpose, according to Bristol City Council, is to build confidence and develop skills, there is a cost benefit.
Home to School Travel costs the council around £18m and the council believes the programme could save more than £100,000 currently spent on work-to-school arrangements.
Townsend, who is chair of the council’s Children and Young People Committee, said: “As young people discover their independence by completing this training programme, they discover that the sky is the limit in terms of their future.
“The Independent Travel Training programme is a vital part of this commitment, supporting young people at their own pace, to gain the confidence and skills they need to step into adulthood,” she added.
The scheme is also supported by First Bus, whose commercial manager Robert Sanderson said: “Every day we see how a friendly driver, clear information and reliable services make a difference.
“We’re pleased to play our part in Bristol’s Independent Travel Training scheme, working alongside travel trainers to help young people navigate public transport, plan routes and travel independently with confidence.”
For young people like Keyon, the training is opening up new possibilities, one bus ride at a time.
