Over 300 million free bus trips made by young people across Scotland

Children and young people in Scotland have now made over 300 million free bus journeys since the Scottish Government introduced free travel for under-22s.

Since January 2022, the scheme continues to transform how young people are traveling by bus, saving people money, supporting greener travel, and boosting the economy by opening up access to education, jobs, and leisure.

Over 80% of eligible young people have access to the scheme through a National Entitlement Card or Young Scot National Entitlement Card.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said:

The Scottish Government has an unwavering focus on supporting people through the cost of living crisis – and so I’m proud that our landmark policy providing free bus travel for under-22s has now seen over 300 million trips made through the scheme.

Free bus travel is helping young people access education and employment, to socialise and to see friends and family. It’s saving people money every day and every week – but it’s also supporting our wider economy and our climate.

We’ve permanently removed peak fares on ScotRail services, and fund our other concessionary travel schemes offering free bus travel to over 2.3 million people across Scotland. When times are tough, we must do more to help people through the cost of living crisis – and that’s exactly what we’ll get on and deliver.

For more information on how to apply, visit www.freebus.scot

For more information on how the Scottish Government is helping with the cost of living, visit www.costofliving.campaign.gov.scot