Ariane Burgess MSP praises free bus travel for young people in Moray
An MSP has praised the positive impact of free bus travel for everyone under 22 in the area.
Since it was first introduced by the Greens in 2022, 1,703,065 journeys have been taken in Moray.
The scheme allows young people to travel anywhere in Scotland, but these figures show just how great an impact free bus travel is locally for young people.
This groundbreaking initiative was secured through negotiations between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government.
Scotland is the only country in the UK that offers free bus travel for all young people under 22.
Over 204 million free bus journeys have been taken across the country, allowing young people to travel for work or education, or simply to visit friends and family.
Ariane Burgess, the Scottish Greens MSP for the Highlands & Islands region, said: "The free bus travel scheme for under 22s has been life-changing, and a huge win for young people in Moray.
"Giving young people the opportunity to travel to school, work or leisure for free is helping to support them and their families through Tory and Labour-imposed cuts and the financial incompetence of Westminster, which has hit everyone in Scotland.
"The scheme has proven a positive one for young people across our communities, creating opportunity and helping them to explore the country and develop crucial skills for the future.
"Transport is Scotland's largest source of carbon emissions. Helping people choose public transport rather than taking the car is a much-needed boost for our environment that will reduce the number of cars on our roads.
"Many young people in Moray have already signed up for their free bus pass. I urge all those who have not yet registered to do so today at Freebus.scot.”