THE Scottish Government is making preparations to extend free bus travel to all young people under the age of 19 who live in Scotland, following a consultation.
If approved by the Scottish Parliament, the draft legislation will enable the scheme to start operating during the financial year 2021/22. Extending free bus travel to approximately 770,000 young people will deliver on a Budget agreement with the Scottish Greens.
The legislation will also extend the National Concessionary Travel Scheme to eligible disabled children under the age of five, allowing free travel for a companion.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “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.”
Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie added: “This will tackle inequality and the climate emergency. After the pandemic, concessionary travel will play a more important role than ever in the new normal so we are already pushing for the scheme to be widened further, with the aim of free public transport for all.”
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