Lothian Buses and the City of Edinburgh Council are to work together to provide free bus travel to young people who have been in care.
The six month pilot is the latest initiative from the Council’s Corporate Parenting Strategy, which benefits children and young people in the Capital.
Edinburgh has corporate parenting responsibly for around 1,400 children and young people who are looked after. In addition there are more than 600 young people who have left care and local authorities have a duty to provide further support (Throughcare/Aftercare).
This new project will see around 600 young people receive free bus passes so they can access learning, employment, work experience and training opportunities.
Local councillor Cathy Fullerton, Chair of the Corporate Parenting Group, said:
I’m delighted that Lothian Buses have come on board with this pilot project to provide free bus travel to young people who have been in care.
We have had a corporate parenting plan in place since 2012 and although many of our objectives have been achieved we are always looking at ways to extend our partnership working.
This project with Lothian Buses is a perfect example and demonstrates what can be achieved when different organisations come together for the benefit of young people in Edinburgh.
Nigel Serafini, Head of Commercial from Lothian Buses, said:
We are delighted to be able to join with the City of Edinburgh Council to support this initiative which will benefit young people who have been in care. We hope that our contribution will help to make life easier for these young people as they move towards a brighter future.
