Scottish Government moves to introduce free bus travel for under 18s praised by Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes; more than 67,000 children likely to enjoy free bus travel across the Highlands and Islands
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FREE bus travel for all under 18s in Badenoch and Strathspey will be of "enormous benefit" to the area's teens.
Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes was speaking after the Scottish Government announced plans to work towards the introduction of such a scheme by January next year.
Almost 11,500 five to 18-year-olds live in her constituency, and Ms Forbes believes it will make a real difference to youngsters' tight budgets.
Across the Highlands and Islands region as a whole, it is thought that more than 67,000 children will benefit.
Kate Forbes MSP said: “Free bus travel will be an enormous benefit to young people across my constituency of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.
“I know how expensive it can be for young people to travel across the Highlands and between the central belt and the Highlands.
“The concessionary travel scheme for older people has seen more people using the bus and therefore making more bus services viable.
“Concessionary travel has also brought benefits to passengers themselves as it helps to combat isolation and loneliness. I’m delighted that it will now be extended to young people.
“Alongside the £500 million investment in bus infrastructure previously announced by the Scottish Government, this radical and innovative approach will help deliver a step change in the use of public transport.”
The Scottish Government plans to undertake work on design and due diligence with a view to introducing such the scheme in January 2021.
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