Free bus travel scheme for young people

All residents in Scotland, including those in Orkney, under the age of 22 will be eligible for free bus travel from 31 January 2022.

The scheme – which will enhance and improve the current Young Scot scheme entitling young folk to one third off bus travel - is delivered in partnership with the Improvement Service, the National Entitlement Card Programme Office and Young Scot.

Those aged 5-21 will next year join a third of Scotland’s population who already benefit from free bus travel through the Older and Disabled Persons Free Bus scheme.

They will be able to access the new free bus scheme at the start of 2022 using the National Entitlement Card or Young Scot branded NEC. However, work is still ongoing to finalise the application process – further information on how to apply will be provided later in the year.

Cheryl Rafferty, Orkney Islands Council Community Learning Development Team Leader for Youth Services, said: “It is hoped that young people will be impacted positively by the free travel scheme, not just financially by making it easier to travel to work or take part in learning, but also by improving their wellbeing by making it easier to socialise and to meet with their friends and family.

“Free travel that is accessed easily by the Young Scot National Entitlement Card will open doors for young people – helping them to explore opportunities that many would previously not have had the financial means or confidence to take part in.”

The Young Scot National Entitlement Card is available free of charge to everyone aged 11-25 living in Scotland. Use it for money off the things you love, exclusive rewards, proof of age and much more.

While welcoming the news, OIC Leader Councillor Stockan believes the concessions need to go further to include Orkney’s internal ferry service – which is regarded by many as a local bus services to the isles.

“I had hoped that the scheme would be extended to cover our inter-island ferry services to benefit young people in the islands and ensure there is equality for all young people. After all, our internal ferries are our local bus services for those who live in the outer isles. We will continue to discuss this with the Scottish Government.

“On the plus side, the recent reduction in ferry fares will have benefitted young people in the isles as the cost to travel will have reduced by 38% on junior fares (people in full time education/students).”

Any further queries regarding the Young Persons' Free Bus Travel Scheme should be directed to Transport Scotland via email.

Further information on the scheme is available on the Transport Scotland website.