Transport Scotland has announced that all residents in Scotland under the age of 22 will be eligible for free bus travel from 31 January 2022.
Th original plans announced by the Scottish government in this year’s budget had applied to under 19s. The extension to include 20 and 21 year-olds was part of a budget deal struck with the Greens.
Transport Scotland says approximately 930,000 young people will be affected in addition to the one third of Scotland’s population who are already eligible for free bus travel, namely the over-60s and those with disabilities.
Minister for Transport Graeme Dey said: “It’s crucial to embed more sustainable travel behaviour from a young age if we are to achieve our world-leading goal of reducing the number of kilometres travelled by car by 20% by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2045.”
Under 22s will be able to access free bus travel through the Young Scot National Entitlement Card.
Photo credit: Elaine Catton
Scotland in Motion 