The Scottish Government has hailed its free bus travel for under-22s scheme as “transformative” after announcing the landmark of 100 million free journeys had been breached.
The Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme, which began in January 2022, was found by Holyrood’s own report to have succeeded in nine of the twelve expected short, medium and long-term outcomes in its first year.
Among the outcomes in which the scheme had made good progress was an increased awareness of bus as a viable travel option. It also succeeded in a degree of modal shift, which was one of the medium-term expectations.
The scheme aims to encourage more sustainable travel and tackle issues related to transport poverty by embedding positive sustainable travel behaviours, opening up social, education, employment and leisure opportunities, and reducing household outgoings to aid children, particularly those living in poverty. The evaluation says progress had been shown in each of these three principle areas.
Marking the milestone at Wester Hailes High School in Edinburgh, Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop says: “I’m really pleased to see that over 100 million journeys have now been made by under-22s across Scotland – and that the scheme is making a positive difference to young peoples’ lives.
“This policy is truly transformative. It’s reducing travel costs for young people and their families; encouraging a shift towards public transport from private car use and improving access to social, leisure, education and employment opportunities.
“The findings of the one-year evaluation are also key to ensuring the scheme continues to have a positive impact going forward.
“We will work with operators and other key partners to ensure that service provision matches demand from young people, and that free bus travel continues to have a truly transformative impact across Scotland.”
Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights Patrick Harvie adds: “100 million free journeys made by under 22s is a huge landmark and part of an even bigger effort to promote public transport and walking, wheeling and cycling as the easiest ways get around.”
