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LOCAL MSP IN CALL TO DRIVE UP FREE BUS PASS TAKE UP

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey is encouraging local residents under the age of 22 to sign up for the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme.

All under 22s resident in Scotland have been able to access to free bus travel since being introduced by the Scottish Government in January 2022.

Since 2014/15, over 894 million concessionary bus trips have been made across Scotland by passengers holding a concessionary travel card, including people over 60 years old, those with a qualifying disability and young people under 22 years old.

Most recent data show that there are 1.5 million people living in Scotland who benefit from a concessionary travel card.

According to figures obtained by Ms Haughey, as of 31 March 2023, there were 36,131 cardholders under the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme in South Lanarkshire – an estimated uptake of around 65 percent.

Commenting, Clare Haughey MSP said:

“I am delighted that tens of thousands of people across South Lanarkshire are taking full advantage of the concessionary travel cards available to them.

“Not only does supporting people to use public transport help everyone enjoy greater independence, but it is a key way we can reduce our carbon footprint and tackle the climate emergency.

“There has been a great uptake of the under 22 free bus pass in South Lanarkshire so far, but there are still many who are missing out.

“I’d encourage anyone under the age of 22 and who hasn’t yet applied for their free bus pass to consider doing so.”

To apply, visit: https://www.mygov.scot/under-22s-bus-pass