SNP MSP Kaukab Stewart has welcomed the opening of the application process for free bus travel for young people under the age of 22 years old.
From Monday, all young people and children aged 5-21 years old in Scotland can apply for their new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC to access the scheme from 31 January 2022.
The 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 started in August 2021.
The SNP MSP has welcomed the initiative which is set to benefit around 930,000 young people across Scotland and pointed to research from Transport Scotland indicating that 70% of young people would use public transport more frequently if it was free.
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The scheme will be delivered in partnership with Transport Scotland, the Improvement Service, the National Entitlement Card Programme Office (NECPO), Young Scot, local authorities and bus operators.
Stewart said: "I am delighted that applications are now open for young people, under the age of 22, to apply for free bus travel across the country.
"This is a hugely significant commitment from the Scottish Government that will benefit hundreds of thousands of young people across the country.
"Young people are rightly challenging politicians to take bold actions to create a sustainable future for them and free bus travel is an example of what can be done to rise to this challenge."
Stewart said travelling by bus is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport, saying "we know that young people, in particular, value the vital role public transport plays in hitting our climate change targets".
She continued: "Making bus travel free for under 22s is not only important for helping tackle the climate emergency but it will take pressure off young people's finances and improve their access to education, leisure, and work.
“The SNP Scottish Government is once again making an investment in our young people’s future, supporting them to have the best possible start in life and creating the fairer, greener Scotland that we want to build.”
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Scottish Greens transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell said: “Young people will be able to travel anywhere in Scotland by bus for free from the end of the month.
"I’d encourage young people who rely on buses for essential travel or their parents to apply for new entitlement cards as soon as possible. As Covid travel restrictions start to lift more young people will be able to get on board and enjoy the opportunity of free travel.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, bus services will be a crucial part of the green recovery while tackling the climate emergency, and this travel card will open up opportunities for young people and their families.
“I’m delighted this Green policy has gone from the drawing board to reality and despite the difficulties of Covid, essential travellers such as key workers should feel the benefit from day one.”
Transport minister Graeme Dey said: “The current phase of the pandemic means that we are encouraging people to stay at home as much as possible. But there are many essential reasons for children and young people to travel by bus and I am keen that they benefit from this scheme at the earliest opportunity.
“Therefore, we are asking that only those for whom bus travel is essential apply at this time. This will help to minimise pressure on local councils, also impacted by the pandemic, which will be processing applications and responding to queries.
“Public health must always come first. The approach we are taking will enable children, young people and families who will potentially benefit most from free bus travel to access it from the end of January.
“It will also ensure that when we are able to fully publicise the scheme, we can help bus services recover from the impacts of the pandemic and encourage children and young people to travel sustainably.”
Scots can apply for the free bus travel scheme at getyournec.scot
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