THE Scottish Government are calling on members of the public to share their views about new bus travel plans.

Under the new scheme, young people will receive free bus travel until their 19th birthday. They have launched a consultation and are looking for as many members of the public as possible to take part - especially children and young people.

The move is intended to support young people who need to access education, work and training opportunities as well as low income families.

Transport secretary Michael Matheson said:"“With approximately 770,000 young people anticipated to benefit – these are hugely exciting proposals for the future of our bus sector and for inspiring future generations to engage with sustainable transport.

“Free bus travel will help young people under the age of 19 to access education, employment and leisure – particularly those from lower income families. What we are proposing will help our young people as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m confident that it will support the independence of young people and encourage a greater, long term shift to more sustainable travel – largely by embedding the use of public transport in people’s behaviour from an early age.

“To respond to the climate emergency, we need a shift away from private vehicle use towards more sustainable public transport. I’m confident this step could also help encourage modal shift in how young people get around – improving air quality in our towns and cities by reducing the number of car journeys made either by them or their family, friends, or carers.”

The consultation closes on Monday, December 7. More information can be found at: https://consult.gov.scot/transport-scotland/consultation-free-bus-travel-for-people-under19