Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, has today welcomed news that all residents in Scotland under the age of 22 will be eligible for free bus travel from 31 January 2022.

This landmark policy will see approximately 930,000 young people join the third of Scotland’s population who already benefit from free bus travel through the Older and Disabled Persons Free Bus scheme.

Commenting, Mr Swinney said:

“This is a transformative policy that will not only improve the lives of young people, but will contribute towards our efforts to battle climate change.

“From speaking to young people, I have heard on numerous occasions that the cost of travel has a significant impact on their finances and can often limit their opportunities and career aspirations.

“So I am pleased that the SNP are taking such decisive action to tackle inequality, poverty and the climate crisis.

“As we promised during our election campaign this year, the SNP will put young people at the heart of our vision for Scotland. We have been making good on that commitment since our election victory, and will continue to enact bold, progressive policies in the months and years ahead.”