From 31 January 2022, all under-22s residents in Scotland will have access to free transport.

This change means that around 930,000 young people across Scotland are now eligible for free bus travel.

Transport Scotland research showed 70% of young people indicate they would use public transport more frequently if it was free. New research commissioned by Transport Scotland show that 61% of young Scots believe that access to public transport will play a central role in the fight against climate change. 

To fund the scheme the Scottish government will pay bus companies for each individual journey made. The payment value will be a percentage of what an adult single fare would be. For journeys made by five to 15-year-olds, bus companies will get 43.6% of an adult single fare. For 16 to 21-year-olds, they'll get 81.2%.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We are committed to giving our young people the very best chances to succeed in life. The extension of free bus travel to all under 22s will improve access to education, leisure, and work, while supporting the adoption of sustainable travel behaviours early in their lives.”

Similarly, Paul Davies, President & Managing Director of Alexander Dennis stated: “With the Scottish Government funding zero emission buses that are built right here in Scotland, young people can be sure their journeys will not only be smooth, clean and green, but will benefit communities through the skilled jobs, apprenticeship and graduate opportunities underpinned by this investment.”