MSP Siobhian Brown has welcomed new figures which show that young people across Scotland have now made over 150 million journeys using their free bus passes.

The Young Persons’ (under-22) Free Bus Travel Scheme, which was introduced by the Scottish Government in January 2022, gives all those aged five to 21 years old the ability to travel on public transport free of charge.

The scheme aims to encourage more sustainable travel and tackle issues related to transport poverty by encouraging more young people to start travelling by bus at an early age and opening up social, education, employment, and leisure opportunities.  

Ms Brown, SNP MSP for Ayr, Prestwick and Troon, said: “I’m delighted that young people all over Scotland have now made over 150 million journeys using their free bus pass.

“The scheme is making a huge difference to children, young people and their families in Ayr, Prestwick and Troon – making sustainable travel easier and more affordable every day and opening up social, education and leisure opportunities.

“Whilst the new Labour government at Westminster has made the choice to follow the Tories’ austerity agenda, with yet more cuts to public services and benefits, the SNP Scottish Government is committed to using all its powers to improve the lives of young people by eradicating child poverty and tackling climate change.”