From today (10 January), all young people and children aged 5-21 years old in North Ayrshire and beyond can apply for free bus travel across Scotland.
They can apply for their new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC to access the SNP Government’s scheme from 31 January 2022.
The extension of free bus travel to everyone aged under 22 will benefit around 930,000 young people across Scotland and pointed to research from Transport Scotland indicating that 70% of young people would use public transport more frequently if it was free.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“In line with our flagship policy, the SNP Government is once again supporting young people in Scotland to have the best possible start in life - whilst creating the fairer, greener Scotland that we want to build.
"Buses reach every part of North Ayrshire and are a hugely important way to get to your place of education, training, work or to socialise.
“In addition, bus travel is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to commute and we know that young people in particular, value the vital role public transport plays in hitting our climate change targets.
"Making bus travel free for under 22's is not only important for helping tackle the climate emergency but it will take pressure off young people's finances and improve their access to education, leisure, and work.”
The scheme continues to be delivered in partnership with Transport Scotland, the Improvement Service, the National Entitlement Card Programme Office, Young Scot, local authorities and bus operators.
Click here for more information and to apply.
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