Emma has welcomed the Fair Fares Review which was published today [Friday 22nd of March].
The review announces that the Scottish Government will continue to provide the existing free bus travel for under-22s, recognising the challenging economic times for young people, and are also going further to develop proposals to introduce free foot passenger travel on inter-island ferries for island residents who are under 22. The proposals include ferries within the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland Islands.
Speaking on the Fair Fares Review, Emma said:
“I am delighted to hear that the Scottish Government is beginning work on introducing free inter-island ferry travel for young folk living in the islands.
“I recently spoke with the team at the SIC Youth & Employability Service and we spoke about how valuable the existing free bus travel scheme is for young folk in Shetland, giving them the freedom to travel around the islands for work, education, or to meet friends and socialise.
“The introduction of free inter-island ferries for under-22’s would only improve the lives of young folk in our islands further, giving them greater freedom to take up opportunities across the islands. It recognises that, for many, inter-island ferries are a necessary part of daily life, like buses are for others.
“It is fantastic that the Scottish Government has listened to campaigners, MSYPs, and local representatives – including me – who have been calling for action on this issue.”
You can read the review here.
