For immediate release

BEGINS

New figures have revealed that over 12.4 million free bus journeys have been made by young people in South Lanarkshire since the under 22s bus pass scheme was introduced by the Scottish Government in early 2022.

Local MSP, Clare Haughey, has welcomed the news that so many young people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang have been able to access employment, education and leisure opportunities without needing to worry about the cost of travel.

It comes as Transport Secretary, Stephen Flynn MSP, confirmed that nearly one million young people benefit from the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme for under-22s – with 842,653 cardholders across the country.

By contrast, independent House of Commons analysis has shown that young people in England often spend more than £1,000 a year on bus travel.    

Commenting, Clare Haughey said:

“An incredible 12.4 million free bus journeys have now been made by young people here in South Lanarkshire, thanks to action taken by the Scottish Government.

“Across the country, nearly one million young Scots are benefiting from free bus travel – that’s just the ticket for young people starting out in life in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.

“This isn’t only saving young people and their families money, free bus travel is helping young folk here in Rutherglen and Cambuslang to fulfil their potential by making it easier to get to work, college or even just to travel across town to see their family and friends.

“Older people here also save up to £1,000 thanks to our lower qualification age for free bus travel, and with a £2 bus fare cap being rolled out across the country, the Scottish Government is firmly on the side of Scottish households making sustainable travel more affordable for everyone.”

ENDS