More than 300 million free bus trips made by young people

The number of free bus trips taken by young people has topped 300 million, according to the Scottish Government.

The policy was introduced under Nicola Sturgeon’s government and extended in 2022 to include all those under the age of 22.

Ahead of an event in Glasgow on Wednesday, transport secretary 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.”