Green MSP welcomes impact of free bus travel scheme
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THE impact of free bus travel for people aged under 22 has been hailed by North East Green MSP Maggie Chapman.
The scheme has already benefited almost 78,076 young people in the North East Scotland electoral region that she represents.
In total, 550,000 young people across Scotland have enjoyed over 33 million journeys.
Scotland is the first country in the UK to offer free bus travel for young people. It was introduced in January, following negotiations between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government.
Ms Chapman said: “Public transport is a vital part of our society.
"It should keep people connected and enable everyone to travel for fun, work or education. I am so pleased that so many young people in the north-east are benefitting from free bus travel.
“I am proud that the Scottish Greens’ policy of free public transport is working for our young people. It has clearly been a big success and is opening up our community and our country for young people and their families.
“We want to ensure that public transport is always one of the best options. By boosting public transport, we can ensure that the young people of today enter into lifelong habits that will not only keep them well connected but will also have wider environmental and health benefits.
“Transport shouldn’t cost the earth and enabling people to use public transport is an important step that will getting people out of cars while cutting pollution and supporting families during the worst cost crisis for generations.
“With Scottish Greens in government, this is just one of the steps that we are taking to build a more sustainable transport system, with £5 billion to improve and decarbonise our railways and record investment in walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure.
“I want as many young people as possible to benefit and would encourage those who have yet to do so to visit freebus.scot and register for their card today.”
