The Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme, which provides complimentary travel to under-22s in Scotland, has had a “strong positive impact” on those benefiting, according to a newly published report.
A survey by the charity Young Scot found 91% of those ageing out of the Scottish Government-subsidised scheme said free bus travel had increased access to work, education and leisure.
The research, which was based on 645 responses to a questionnaire from March to May 2025, also found that 55% of young people continued using the bus weekly after they were no longer eligible for the scheme.
Since its introduction in January 2022, more than 250 million free bus trips had been made via the scheme by last month.
As expected, the frequency of bus use among the 22-26-year-olds surveyed fell after they became too old for the scheme. While 52% said they used the bus at least five days per week before they turned 22, only 23% of the respondents – the majority of whom were aged 22 – said they still did so.
For comparison, a survey by Transport Scotland based on data from 2022 found that 22% of Scots of all ages used the bus at least once per week.
Those reporting using a car five days a week or more increased from 4% to 25%.
However, the report concluded that the scheme positively influenced use of public transport post-21.
It found 71% of survey respondents believed the free bus travel initiative had changed how they choose to travel and that 63% of respondents are now considering public transport more often.
Nevertheless, the report outlined suggested actions to encourage use of public transport among those older than 21, including a national travel entitlement for those beyond this age.
Means-tested support towards bus travel and improving frequency and connectivity, especially in rural areas, was also suggested. Boosting intermodal connectivity, more consistent pricing across Scotland and alternative discounts were among the recommendations. The report also suggested the setting up of a single card or app for buses, trains, trams and multiple operators.
