Scotland’s under-22s make more than 200 million free bus journeys

More than 200 million journeys have been made across Scotland as part of a scheme which allows young people to make bus journeys for free.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop hailed the “transformative benefit” of the scheme, which was introduced just over three years ago in January 2022.

Children and young people aged between five and 21 can apply for a card which allows them to travel for free.

With the Scottish Government having set, under the leadership of First Minister John Swinney, the goal of eradicating child poverty, Ms Hyslop said that free bus travel saves families “significant amounts of money”.

But she also said the  scheme  was “creating new opportunities” by helping young people get to school, college, university or work, as well as encouraging more people to use “sustainable” transport.

Speaking as it was confirmed more than 200 million free journeys have taken place, the Transport Secretary said: “Eradicating child poverty is the single greatest priority of this government. That’s why I’m so pleased that under-22s across Scotland continue to take advantage of this transformative benefit – with over 200 million journeys now made across Scotland.”

Speaking about the scheme Ms Hyslop said: “This is saving young people and their families significant amounts of money, but just as importantly, it’s creating new opportunities.

“It’s giving children and young people the best chances to succeed in life, whether it’s widening access and connectivity to education or employment – or both at the same time through the fantastic apprenticeship opportunities available across the country.”

But she stated it was “not just about the number of journeys, it’s about what these journeys mean”, adding she has met “many young people” who travel to work or a course at no cost.

The Transport Secretary also said: “Most memorably, I met a young person who was using free bus travel to see their granny more often than they could otherwise afford.

“So it’s opening new doors, keeping people connected and encouraging more sustainable travel, through what I believe is one of the most instrumental and transformative policies we’ve seen in Scotland for many years.

“I want to thank the many young people who are recognising that choosing bus is one of the best ways to travel. In doing so, they are supporting our bus services, our towns and cities, and our climate.”