Green deal secured for youngsters to use public buses for free
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Scottish Greens MSP John Finnie MSP has 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 annual 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.
Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie 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 and training opportunities for so many of those starting out in life.”
The Scottish Greens have also secured an additional £95 million for vital local services including £4.509 million for Highland Council, and an additional £13 million for community policing and prevention work across Scotland.
Mr Finnie MSP commented: “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 £ 4.509 million more for Highland Council to help protect vital local services upon which my constituents depend."
But Scottish Labour have accused the Greens of kow-towing to the Scottish Government.
Highlands MSP and Scottish Labour Finance Spokesperson Rhoda Grant said: “It is deeply disappointing to see the Scottish Green Party yet again sell our local councils, our environment and, indeed, themselves, short yet again.
“By kow-towing to Kate Forbes, the Greens have given the green light to the deep cuts faced by local government and have entirely abandoned their call for an end to further infrastructure construction.
“Most galling of all is the Green’s acceptance of a pale imitation of the call, led by Scottish Labour, for free bus travel for under 25s by supporting the SNP’s promise to merely investigate the possibility of free bus travel for those under 18 – meanwhile passenger numbers on public transport are plummeting."
She added: “As ever, it is the young people of Scotland, our local councils and the environment that will pay the price for the Greens 15 minutes of fame.”
