Free Bus Travel for Under 22s Praised by MSP

MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has praised the Scottish Government’s announcement that all residents in Scotland, under the age of 22, will be eligible for free bus travel from January 2022.

This new scheme, extending free bus travel to everyone aged 22, builds on the Scottish Government’s commitment to providing free bus travel to all under-19’s in Scotland which starts this month.

Legislation first guaranteeing free bus travel was made following a budget deal struck between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party. The plan which is set to benefit thousands across Edinburgh, will be delivered in partnership with the Improvement Service, the National Entitlement Card Programme Office and Young Scot.

Work is still ongoing to finalise the application process. Existing cardholders will not have to reapply for a new card, but will have to apply for the travel element to be enabled on their card.

Further information will be provided for existing cardholders and new applicants here later this year.

Commenting, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald said:

This is fantastic news for young people in the city, and right across Scotland, that I am certain will be welcomed across the board.

I am delighted that in addition to providing free bus travel to all under-19’s in Scotland from August this year, the Scottish Government is going one step further and extending free bus travel to everyone aged 22 and under in Scotland.

From Comiston to Currie, this will be of immense benefit to young people – especially those further outside the city centre like many in areas across Edinburgh Pentlands.

It will ensure that young people do not have to face financial travel barriers to get to their education or work, as well as giving them more money in their pocket.

It is decisive action like this that will also help encourage more sustainable travel behaviour from a young age, helping us in our journey to achieving the world-leading climate action targets which the Scottish Government have ambitiously set for us.

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