OVER 310 MILLION FREE BUS JOURNEYS MADE IN SCOTLAND SINCE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED
SNP MSP for Inverclyde, Stuart McMillan, has welcomed the news that 4,514,207 free bus journeys have been made by young people in Inverclyde since the under 22s bus pass scheme was introduced by the SNP in early 2022.
Across Scotland, there has been over 310 million bus journeys made since the scheme was introduced.
The SNP Government has consistently protected free bus passes for everyone over 60, and disabled people, while also extending the scheme to injured veterans.
By contrast, in England, pensioners only receive their free bus pass upon reaching the state pension age of 66 – six years later than is the case in Scotland, and there is no under 22 bus pass scheme.
The free bus travel scheme for under 22s, introduced in 2022, is helping young people across Inverclyde access work, education, and further training, free of charge. No equivalent scheme exists anywhere else in the UK.
Commenting, Stuart said:
“The delivery of over 4.5 million free bus journeys for the under 22’s in Inverclyde is a fantastic achievement that demonstrates the SNP Government’s commitment to improving mobility for our youngest citizens.
“These free bus passes are a lifeline for many, helping young people access essential services, education, and employment.
“While the UK Labour Government is determined to rob young people of opportunities by committing to Brexit and hiking up tuition fees in England, the SNP Government is supporting our young people through the free bus pass.
“The SNP is committed to continuing to support all of Scotland – and it’s important to celebrate the difference that SNP policies are making, with the 4,514,207 journeys in Inverclyde, making up over 310m total journeys in Scotland since the scheme was introduced.”
