Under 19s set for for free bus travel in Scotland

The Scottish Government currently drafting legislation which will extend the concessionary bus travel scheme to every young person in Scotland under the age of 19 and will happen in the 2021-22 financial year.

If the bill is passed by the Scottish Parliament, around 770k young people will benefit from the scheme.

READ MORE: Scottish Government launch consultation into free bus travel for under 19s​

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “Not only is this good news for young people, it’s good news for bus operators.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson

"They will see increased patronage from future generations, who will be able to freely discover the convenience of sustainable bus travel in accessing education, employment and for leisure.

“The Scottish Government believes in our young people and in public transport. In addition to embedding more sustainable travel behaviour at an earlier age, we’re offering this support to reduce barriers created by transport costs so that our young people can achieve their fullest potential.”

“By progressing our commitment to introduce free bus travel to young people under 19, the Scottish Government is strengthening its response to the climate emergency, supporting our green recovery and working to reduce inequalities.

“This is in keeping with our National Transport Strategy which aims to advance equality of opportunity and take action to protect our climate.

"With young people having been disproportionately impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s right that we begin preparing to build back better as restrictions ease over the coming year.