How free travel scheme is making bus the natural choice for millennials
With over two thirds of young people under 22 benefiting from free travel, a new generation are choosing buses, say the Scottish Greens.
Free bus travel for everyone under 22 was secured as part of the Bute House Agreement between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government.
Over 62 million journeys have been taken using the national entitlement card, which allows free green bus travel for card holders under 22. It is one of the biggest successes of devolution, with each and every one of these people making a positive choice for the environment and helping to shift us away from car use.
The success was hailed by the Scottish Greens transport spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP, during a Holyrood debate on access to buses.
Speaking in the Chamber, Mark said:
“With the widening of the concessionary travel scheme to Under 22s we are seeing a new generation choosing bus.
“Over two thirds of young people under 22 now hold the National Entitlement Card, with over 62 million journeys taken to date. The card is improving access to education, work and social opportunities and saving money for hundreds of thousands of young people and their families during a cost-of-living crisis."
He added:
“Free green bus travel is one of the proudest successes of devolution. Each and every one of these young people is making a positive choice for the environment and for their household budgets while helping to shift us away from car use.”