SCOTLAND'S policy of free bus travel for under-22s should be implemented in England by incoming prime minister Andy Burnham, an independent inquiry has said.
The Independent Inquiry into White Working Class Educational Outcomes has recommended the UK Government introduces free "local public transport for all young people up to the age of 21, recognising that transport costs are a major barrier to accessing education, training and employment opportunities".
It goes on: "Combined authorities and local systems should be required to align transport planning more closely with local education and skills provision, ensuring that young people can realistically access colleges, apprenticeships and employment opportunities beyond their immediate area."
The SNP have now said they want to offer their “free bus travel blueprint” to incoming prime minister Burnham as the report recommends he copies Scotland's approach.
Scotland introduced free bus travel for young people under Nicola Sturgeon’s government and it was extended in 2022 to include all those under the age of 22.
The policy has seen more than 300 million free bus journeys made by young people since it was implemented, helping them to access education, training and work opportunities.
SNP MSP Zen Ghani told The National: “The SNP Scottish Government led the way when it comes to backing our young people and providing free bus travel – we are more than happy to hand over the free bus travel blueprints to Burnham if he is to follow the recommendations of this independent report.
"We know Andy Burnham is a big fan of SNP policies such as public ownership of water and the £2 bus fare cap so it makes sense if he wants to copy free bus travel for under 22s too - over 300 million journeys have now been taken here, improving opportunities for our young people and making it so much easier for them to get to work, school or training.
“Through a fresh start with independence we will build a wealthier Scotland anew, but we always stands ready to support our friends in Europe and across these islands – that includes giving Andy Burnham tips on how to replicate successful Scottish schemes in England.”
The Scottish Greens have previously pushed for the free bus travel scheme to be extended to everyone under-30.
John Swinney also announced earlier this year the roll-out of a £2 bus fare cap across a number of council areas.
It came after a successful pilot launched in Shetland and the Western Isles, introduced as part of the Scottish Government's broader strategy to promote sustainable travel and strengthen community links through improved public transport options.
Burnham, who was elected as an MP in the Makerfield by-election last month, is due to become prime minister next week after receiving 349 nominations from Labour MPs with no one now able to rival him for the party leadership following Keir Starmer's resignation.
