THE Scottish Government has launched a consultation on new proposals to offer free bus travel for people under the age of 19.
However the Scottish Greens have called for any scheme to be extended up to the age of 25.
The Scottish Government said more than one-third of people in Scotland already benefit from free bus travel. The proposed extension to approximately 770,000 young people will deliver on a Budget agreement, as reaffirmed in the recent Programme for Government.
At the same time, the Government said, the proposals help realise the vision proposed through the National Transport Strategy – contributing to a transport system with reduced inequalities and one that advances equality of opportunity.
All young carers will now benefit from the wider proposed extension to the National Concessionary Travel Scheme. Legislation will also be put forward to offer free travel to companions of disabled children under the age of five as part of the extension to those aged under 19.
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, while supporting the vision outlined in our National Transport Strategy for a fairer and more sustainable transport system – reducing inequalities, tackling poverty and promoting opportunity.
“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.”
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie challenged the Scottish Government to extend the scheme when it comes into force next year.
In his speech to Scottish Green conference at the weekend, Harvie said: “We understand that the challenges public transport is facing due to the pandemic have had to take priority.”
But he added: “I will go further by challenging the Scottish Government to accept if it can’t be done in the first few months of next year due to Covid, then we must legislate before the election to place a duty on ministers not only to meet but exceed what they have already agreed to, by extending free bus travel up to the age of 25.
“Make no mistake, free bus travel for young people is a massive step to a fairer and greener Scotland – it means students will save hundreds of pounds in travelling to their college course, it means families living in poverty can plan a day trip. It means a whole generation can grow up seeing public transport as their option of choice.”
The consultation runs until December 7. See consult.gov.scot/transport-scotland/consultation-free-bus-travel-for-people-under19
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