Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson has welcomed the news that almost 8 million free bus journeys have been made in North Lanarkshire this year.
The Scottish Government has protected free bus passes for everyone over 60, and disabled people, while also extending the scheme to injured veterans. The free bus travel scheme for under 22s, introduced in 2022, is helping young people across North Lanarkshire access work, education, and further training, free of charge. No equivalent scheme exists anywhere else in the UK.
In North Lanarkshire free bus journeys have been made under these schemes in 2023/24, contributing to the over 178 million free journeys recorded across Scotland this year.
Ms Adamson, said: “The delivery of 7,967,724 free bus journeys in North Lanarkshire this year is a fantastic achievement, that demonstrates the SNP Government’s commitment to improving mobility for our youngest, oldest, and most vulnerable citizens.
“These free bus passes are a lifeline, allowing people to access vital services, education, and employment
“While the UK Labour Government is determined to strip pensioners of their Winter Fuel Payment – the SNP Government is supporting our pensioners by protecting the free bus pass from age 60 – unlike in England, where it’s issued at age 66.
“The SNP is committed to continuing to support all of Scotland – and it’s important to celebrate the difference that SNP policies are making here in North Lanarkshire and across Scotland, with 178,314,173 of free bus journeys made across Scotland this year.”
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