Greens to pledge free bus travel for all as they launch campaign

The Scottish Greens are to pledge free bus travel as they launch their election campaign in Edinburgh.

The party are the last to launch their campaign for Holyrood, in Edinburgh on Thursday, with a promise to expand on the policy they championed while in government.

During the Bute House Agreement between the Greens and Nicola Sturgeon’s administration, free bus travel for young people was introduced and extended to all of those under the age of 22.

A move to make bus travel free for all, the party’s co-leader Gillian Mackay has said, would support commuters as fuel prices rise because of the situation in the Middle East.

“All over Scotland, people are really struggling, and many are being pushed to breaking point,” she said.

“We need targeted, practical action that will support households and families on the frontline of the crisis.

“Making it free to travel by bus is one of the simplest, quickest and most effective steps we could take, and one that would make a big difference for people who are already being stretched by increased costs and rising bills.

“It would be an immediate boost for key workers, students and everyone else who has no choice but to travel most days, while encouraging people to leave their car at home and supporting public transport.”

She added: “The Greens’ introduction of free bus travel for everyone under 22 has been one of the clearest achievements of the Scottish Parliament.

“Thousands of young people across our communities are saving money, finding new work and learning opportunities, and helping to tackle the climate crisis.

“We want to build on it. There is no reason why Scotland can’t be like Malta and Luxembourg, which offer free bus travel to everyone.”