Free bus travel scheme starts today for under-22s in Scotland

Scots under the age of 22 will be able to take advantage of free bus travel across Scotland from today.

It's thanks to a new Scottish Government scheme open to children and young people with a new National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC.

The government says tens of thousands have already applied and received their card and will be able to start travelling for free from 31 January.

It also says that many more applications are in the pipeline as the programme gears up over the coming weeks.

Jenny Gilruth, the MSP for Glenrothes, was recently appointed as the government's Transport Minister.

She said: "I am delighted that from today, thanks to the Scottish Government, every young person under 22 in Scotland with an entitlement card can now travel for free by bus across Scotland.

"Extending free bus travel will make public transport more affordable, and help give many young people wider access to more education, leisure, and work opportunities.

"It will also support the choice to travel sustainably early in their lives. 

"Increasing bus use will help us 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.

"It will also support local bus services to recover, as we all emerge from the most recent COVID-19 restrictions.

"Please remember that to keep people safe, face coverings are still required on public transport for those aged 12 or older, unless otherwise exempt."

Patrick Harvie, the Active Travel Minister, said: "This is an exciting moment for sustainable travel in Scotland.

"Today’s start line for free bus travel to under 22s shows how we can tackle inequality, respond to the climate emergency and improve the lives of young people through decisive government action.

"As we work to secure a green recovery from the pandemic, free bus travel will create new opportunities, protect our climate while at the same time reducing financial barriers for young people right across the country."

More information about the scheme can be found on the Transport Scotland website.