Scottish Greens free bus travel to commence in new year
Scotland’s young people will be able to travel for free on the bus from January, thanks to the Scottish Greens.
In a deal secured by the Scottish Greens in this year’s budget, anyone aged 21 or younger will be able to travel for free on the bus with a concessionary travel card from 31 January 2022.
The scheme had been delayed by COVID-19 and a shortage of silicone, vital in the manufacture of the concessionary cards.
Commenting, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “Free bus travel for young people is not only a transformational policy in terms of family budgets and opening up opportunities for young people, it can help shift people out of car use and help tackle the climate emergency.
“What’s more, as we recover from the pandemic, this policy will be vital in encouraging people back onto public transport safely to ensure we have a green recovery. The Scottish Greens believe public transport should be free at the point of use and serve all our communities, and January will see a major step forward to this aim.”