Wishaw parliamentarians have welcomed the opening of the application process for free bus travel for young people, under the age of 22.
Young people and children aged five to 21 can apply for their new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC to access the scheme from the end of January.
The scheme is set to benefit around 930,000 young people across Scotland.
The scheme will be delivered in partnership with Transport Scotland, the Improvement Service, the National Entitlement Card Programme Office (NECPO), Young Scot, local authorities and bus operators.
Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson said: “While we continue to navigate the pandemic, particularly, I want to encourage young people who rely on public transport for work and education to apply.
"Essential travel will be prioritised amidst ongoing public health measures.
“Young people have been leading the case for action on climate change and sustainable travel is a huge part of that. Enabling more people to access reliable public transport is therefore a significant step.
“This initiative will help with our emissions targets and it takes pressure off young people’s finances.”
Ms Adamson’s Westminster counterpart, Marion Fellows MP, also welcomed the opening of the process.
“Young people in Motherwell and Wishaw are rightly challenging their politicians to take bold actions to create a sustainable future for them and free bus travel is an example of what can be done to rise to this challenge,” said Mrs Fellows.
“Making bus travel free for under 22s is not only important for helping tackle the climate emergency but it will take pressure off young people’s finances and improve their access to education, leisure, and work.
“Whilst we continue to live through the pandemic, we all recognise that essential travel must be prioritised so I want to specifically encourage children and young people with essential journeys to make to apply now.”
Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley has backed the initiative and is reminding thos eligible to apply.
She told us : "This is a hugely significant commitment from the Scottish Government that will benefit thousands of young people in Lanark and Hamilton East.
"Young people are rightly challenging politicians to take bold actions to create a sustainable future for them and free bus travel is an example of what can be done to rise to this challenge."
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