Edinburgh bus and tram

Over 500,000 young people in Scotland have benefited from a scheme of free bus travel, government figures indicate. According to the Scottish Government, there are 548,200 holders of a free bus pass under the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme, which allows under-22s access to free bus travel across Scotland.

Scotland is the first country in the UK to offer free bus travel for young people. It was introduced in January 2022, following negotiations between the Scottish Green Party and the SNP, with the policy being supported by the Greens for a number of years.

Speaking on the news that 500,000 under-22s have benefited from the scheme, Scottish Greens transport spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP said, “This is a big milestone, and I am delighted that so many young people have been able to benefit from free bus travel.

“We want to ensure that public transport is always the first and best option. By investing in transport now we can ensure that the young people of today enter into lifelong habits that will have a benefit and cut emissions for years to come.

“Transport shouldn’t cost the earth, and this is a vital change that is getting people out of cars while reducing pollution and supporting families during the worst cost crisis for generations.

“This has been a big success. I am very proud that Scotland is the first part of the UK to do this, and hope that others follow.”

PS. We hope you enjoyed this article. Bright Green has got big plans for the future to publish many more articles like this. You can help make that happen. Please donate to Bright Green now donate to Bright Green now.

Image credit: Peter Trimming – Creative Commons