Young people in Falkirk area will soon be entitled to free bus travel

The new concessionary scheme, set out in the Scottish Government’s budget, will enable those aged 18 and under to take the bus without being charged.

Due diligence and design work will be undertaken with a view to the initiative being introduced in January 2021.

Angus MacDonald, SNP MSP for Falkirk East, welcomed the move and said: “Free bus travel will be an enormous benefit to young people in Falkirk district, keeping money in their pockets and improving their opportunities to work, study and socialise.

“Alongside the £500 million investment in bus infrastructure previously announced by the Scottish Government, this radical and innovative approach will help deliver a step change in the use of public transport.

“Encouraging the use of public transport is an essential part of our world-leading efforts to tackle the climate emergency.

“Concessionary travel has brought enormous benefits to those aged over 60 and I’m delighted that it will now be extended to young people.”

Scottish Greens Candidate Gillian Mackay has also hailed the deal struck by the SNP in agreement with her party.

Ms Mackay said: “Free bus travel for young people is a transformational step towards tackling the climate emergency.

“This scheme could save young people and families thousands of pounds a year and encourage whole generations of public transport users.

“Buses are the backbone of local public transport and the key to employment and training opportunities for so many of those starting out in life.”

The Scottish Greens have also secured an additional £95m for local services, including £2.7m for Falkirk Council, and an additional £13m for community safety and a package of funding to tackle the climate emergency.