Thousands of young people take up free bus travel in Angus

Recently released figures have shown that, as of September 12, a total of 483,931 children and young people across Scotland are cardholders under the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme – with 7120 benefitting in Angus.

The stats also reveal more than 21 million journeys made under the scheme Scotland-wide since its introduction.

With more than half of eligible young people already benefitting from free bus travel, the Scottish Government has announced that it and its partner agencies will promote the scheme more widely – having launched a new marketing campaign to encourage further uptake of the scheme.

Across TV, digital, radio and outdoor channels, the new campaign will promote the benefits of free bus travel to those that may not have considered choosing the bus before.

At the launch of the scheme, the Scottish Government said free bus travel will make public transport more affordable, and help give many young people wider access to more education, leisure and work opportunities.

The figures have been praised by Angus South MSP Graeme Dey who said that the scheme is beneficial to young people but also has wider benefits.

He said: “Nationwide bus travel for under 22 year-olds not only supports young people to make travel choices that benefit them and their pockets – even more pertinent in the emerging cost crisis – but provides a way for them to experience new places and access a wider range of opportunities.

“I’m delighted that so many thousands across Angus are already benefitting.

“Hearing from so many young people about the benefits of using the Young Scot National Entitlement Card to make free journeys is uplifting, and I hope this new campaign will continue to encourage more under 22s to sign up.

“This is also about embedding more sustainable travel behaviour from a young age, which will support efforts to tackle the climate emergency – and is actually a key way of maintaining vital services, especially in rural or outlying areas.”