SNP’s Free Bus Travel for Under-22s – 200 Million Journeys and Counting
A new report by MPs has urged the UK Labour Government to copy Scotland’s free bus travel scheme for Under-22s in England – recognising that high transport costs south of the border are a “barrier to opportunity and growth.”
The Transport Committee found that bus fares in England have risen faster than inflation, while passenger numbers have fallen. In stark contrast, Scotland’s SNP Government introduced free bus travel for everyone aged 5–22 in 2022 – a move that has already enabled over 200 million journeys by young people across the country.
The scheme is opening up access to education, jobs, training, leisure and social opportunities, while helping to tackle transport poverty and encouraging more sustainable travel from an early age.
The SNP’s free bus travel policy is part of a wider approach to supporting young people and helping families with the cost of living – alongside initiatives such as the Scottish Child Payment, free school meals expansion, and the Baby Box.
Welcoming this SNP policy Martyn Day said:
“The SNP continues to deliver bold, progressive measures that improve lives and create opportunity – while Westminster governments of all colours fail to act. Free bus travel for young people is helping families, boosting opportunity, and tackling climate change – and it’s only possible because Scotland chose a different path.”
The message from Scotland is clear: when we make our own choices, we choose fairness, opportunity, and sustainability. But with the limited powers of devolution, there’s only so much we can do. With the full powers of independence, we could go even further in building a country that works for everyone.
