FMQs: Scottish Greens call for First Minister’s backing on free buses for all
The Scottish Greens are calling on the First Minister to back their calls for universal free bus travel.
In 2022, the Scottish Greens introduced free bus travel for everyone under 22, saving young people and their families money whilst opening up new job and education opportunities.
Speaking at the final First Minister’s Questions before Parliament dissolves ahead of the upcoming election in May, Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer MSP urged the Scottish Government to set out their position on the Greens plans to expand free bus travel to everyone in Scotland.
Ross asked the First Minister:
“Free bus travel for all young people in Scotland is the Scottish Greens proudest achievement of the last five years.
“It's a simple idea, but one which has transformed the lives of young people across the country and saved families a fortune.
“It has opened up opportunities to take up college courses or job opportunities in neighbouring towns without having to worry about whether or not they can afford to get there.
“It means families can use the bus for a day out without it costing them a fortune.
“And on top of that, it means that climate-friendly public transport is the first choice for an entire generation - because of a scheme secured by Green MSPs.
“Between young people, older people and disabled people, almost half of all Scots can now use the bus for free.
“And the Scottish Greens want to go further.
“We believe Scotland can be like Malta and Luxembourg and offer free bus travel to everyone.
“Does the First Minister agree - and if not, what’s his alternative to help people save money on their transport costs?”
The First Minister responded by highlighting that his government is already saving people money through the £2 bus fare cap pilot in the Highlands and Islands and scrapping peak rail fares - both of which were proposed and secured by the Scottish Greens.
In his second question, Ross highlighted the huge Green wins that the Scottish Government has benefitted from in their collaboration with the party in and out of government over the last five year period.
Ross said:
“I’m glad that the First Minister has raised the £2 bus far cap across the Highlands and Islands, and also the scrapping of peak rail fares. Those were also both policies proposed by Green MSPs in budget negotiations.
“We are proud to have provided the ideas that have saved families a fortune, and that are helping to tackle the climate crisis.
“On top of that, we established Scotland’s first Nature Restoration Fund.
“We brought in the emergency rent freeze.
“We wiped out school meal debt for thousands of struggling families.
“Green MSPs have delivered changes which have saved families a fortune and protected our planet.
“And we know that the solutions to the climate crisis and cost of living crisis are one and the same.
“And yes, we were proud to work with the First Minister and the SNP to deliver these changes.
“Because Greens believe in cooperating to take Scotland forward.
“But these ideas were all put on the table by Green MSPs in the first place.
“We brought forward bold, progressive ideas and we worked to deliver them.
“So can I ask the First Minister, what is his favourite of the changes delivered by the Greens in this Parliament?”