Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has welcomed the opening of the application process for the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme.
From today, all young people and children aged 5 to 21 are entitled to apply for their new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC to free bus travel across the country from 31st January 2022. The scheme will benefit around 930,000 young people across Scotland and will be delivered in partnership with Transport Scotland, the Improvement Service, the National Entitlement Card Programme Office (NECPO), Young Scot, local authorities, and bus operators.
Commenting, Roddick said:
“I am delighted that from 31st January, young people across the Highlands and Islands will be able to participate in this wonderful scheme.
“I have always argued that if we are to tackle climate change and make our public spaces accessible to walking, wheeling and cycling, clean, cheap and sustainable public transport must be front and centre. If it is easier for young people to visit our town centres, or travel between home and their places of work and study via public transport, they will be less likely to opt for travel by car, and the streets of our towns and cities will come alive as accessible places of work, education and leisure.
“I strongly encourage all young people in the Highlands and Islands to apply for this”.
Emma Roddick MSP 