This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Ticket to ride for young Scots
08/01/2007
From today young Scots will be able to enjoy cheaper travel on buses, trains and ferries with the introduction of a new Concessionary Travel Scheme.
It will:
- Give all 16-18 year olds living in Scotland a third off single bus fares across the country
- Give 16-18 year olds a free rail card entitling them to a third off rail travel within Scotland
- Give 16-18 year olds who are resident on Scottish Islands two free return journeys to the mainland each year
- Also include full time volunteers up to the age of 25 who are actively contributing to their community
Transport Minister Tavish Scott said:
"It is great that from today young people across Scotland will benefit from cheaper fares on public transport - great for their parents too.
"Our devolved government made a commitment to improve access for young and old to our transport network, a commitment we've now delivered.
"This travel scheme opens up new opportunities and gives greater freedom to young people through access to work, education and social events. That's got to be good news."
Background:
The Partnership Agreement commits the Executive to the progressive introduction of a national scheme of bus, rail and ferry concessionary travel for young people. This commitment will allow young people greater choice not only in travel options but also greater economic and social opportunities.
The Young Persons' concessionary scheme will be administered by Transport Scotland.
It is intended that all those eligible will be able to access the discounts available through their National Entitlement Card once the Smartcard technology is fully rolled out across the Scottish bus fleet. In the meantime, an interim card will be issued to all eligible applicants.
A text and web service will give young people information on how they can apply for the discounts via their local authority.
The scheme is expected to cost between £27 million and £30 million per year depending on take-up, which will be reviewed as is standard practice at the next spending review.