Edinburgh Green Cllrs call for free bus travel for carers
Edinburgh’s Scottish Green councillors are urging all parties to back a motion calling for the Council to extend free bus travel to carers and companions across the city.
The motion, which will be heard by the Transport and Environment Committee today, will be moved by Councillor Kayleigh O’Neill. It would extend the successful bus pass Companion +1 scheme to every young person with care needs.
The proposal follows campaigning by Parents 4 Future Scotland, a grassroots organisation concerned about climate change in our communities.
If approved, the motion calls for the Council to work on a proposal for an ‘Under 22+1 scheme’ to enable the change and to report back to the Transport and Environment Committee.
Councillor O’Neill said:
“The Under 22 bus pass scheme has been revolutionary for children in the city who can now travel for free on bus and trams. This is great for their families’ finances and for promoting car-free travel in the city for those who can
“However I know that a barrier for some children in using their bus pass is the need to travel with a carer, for example a parent or guardian and that cost can be problematic.
“The idea would be that an Under 22 pass user will have the option to apply for a “+1” to be added to their card like the companion and Disabled National Entitlement Card”
“Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are already familiar with a ‘plus one type of scheme’ because they accommodate users of the Disabled Person’s Bus Pass Scheme which, for some, allows a free companion to travel with the cardholder.”
“It would be fantastic to further level the playing field when it comes to accessing public transport, especially for those already struggling with costs of living and mobility.”
Scottish Green MSP Lorna Slater said:
“This is a really important proposal by Green councillors and would make our transport system and Edinburgh more accessible for young people who need extra care when travelling.
“Our cities and our communities are for all of us, and that has to mean that we should all be able to access and enjoy them. This would set a vitally important precedent and would be an important step towards building a more liveable city.”
Motion by Councillor O'Neill - Free Bus Travel for Carers and Companions
Committee:
- Welcomes the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel scheme for which there is a strong pick up rate across the City of Edinburgh
- Understands a barrier for some children using their under 22s bus pass is the need to travel with a carer (e.g parent or guardian) who cannot afford travel
- The disabled person’s bus pass scheme already successfully runs with a Companion +1 scheme dependent on the applicant’s needs and technology can support this onboard Lothian Buses and at card authenticators at Edinburgh Tram stops.
- Also understands that disabled people under 22 can choose between the disabled person’s bus pass and the under 22 bus pass, however the administrative process is easier for those under 22 and does not require users to re-apply and provide proof of disability for free travel.
- Notes previous work from Cllr Dijkstra-Downie to request class bus passes for schools to promote uptake of the cards which should continue to be encouraged
- Therefore requests officers to investigate the possibility of implementing as scheme for a ‘u22 +1’ card for young people who need to travel with a carer, parent or guardian, and report to Transport and Environment committee when appropriate.