Young people across West Dunbartonshire will get free bus travel from January next year.
Everyone in Scotland under the age of 22 will be eligible to travel on public buses free of charge from January 31, 2022, as long as they have a concessionary travel card with them.
The scheme had been delayed by Covid-19 and a shortage of silicone used in the manufacture of the concessionary cards.
Welcoming the announcement, Green MSP for the West of Scotland Ross Greer said: “Free bus travel for young people in West Dunbartonshire will not only be transformational for many families’ finances, it will open up opportunities for young people and help tackle the climate emergency by reducing car use.
“What’s more, as we recover from the pandemic, this scheme will be vital in encouraging people safely back on o public transport, to ensure we see a green recovery.
“The Scottish Greens believe public transport should be free at the point of use for everyone.
“I’m proud that we have been able to take Scotland one step closer to that through our work in Parliament.”
Transport Minister Graeme Dey added; “It’s crucial to embed more sustainable travel behaviour from a young age if we are to achieve our goal of reducing the number of kilometres travelled by car by 20 percent by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2045.
“We also know that young
people have been disproportionately impacted as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, so it’s never been more important that we support them to achieve their fullest potential.
“Reducing barriers created by transport costs is one really positive action we can take.”
