Wednesday February 26th 2020
Lothian Bus. Photography by Lee Live: Photographer
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
Scottish Green MSPs, Alison Johnstone and Andy Wightman, have hailed a deal struck by the party to deliver free bus travel for young people aged 18 and under as “transformational”.
The Scottish Government has agreed to implement free bus travel for young people in a major concession to the Scottish Greens as part of the Scottish budget process. This means from 2021 all under-18s across Scotland will be able to use a concessionary scheme to travel for free on bus routes, in a similar way to the entitlement currently held by over-60s.
Alison Johnstone MSP 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, training, sports and social opportunities for so many young people.”
The Scottish Greens have also secured an additional £95 million for vital local services, and an additional £13 million for community policing and prevention work.
Andy Wightman MSP added:
“Since the 2016 election the Scottish Greens have pushed the Scottish Government to provide councils with a fairer share of funding.
“I’m delighted that this year Greens have been able to deliver over £7.4 million more for Edinburgh, £1.5 million more for Midlothian, £1.8 million more for East Lothian, and £3.2 million more for West Lothian, to help protect vital local services like community centres, and speed up the delivery of much-needed new schools.
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