Over 7.6 million free bus journeys were made in South Lanarkshire over the course of the last year.
Rutherglen’s MSP Clare Haughey has welcomed the news, highlighting the Scottish Government protecting free bus passes for the over-60s and those with disabilities, and the extension of the scheme to injured veterans, as well as introducing free bus travel for under-22s.
Statistics from Transport Scotland revealed that during 2023/24 a total of 2,744,845 free journeys were made by young people people, and a further 4,872,983 by older and disabled people.
The MSP contrasted that with the situation in England, where people only receive a free bus travel pass upon reaching the state pension age of 66 – six years later than in Scotland.
The free bus travel scheme for under-22s, introduced in 2022, is helping young people across Rutherglen and Cambuslang access work, education, and training – free of charge. There is no equivalent scheme existing elsewhere in the UK.
In South Lanarkshire, over 7.6 million 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.
Haughey said: “The delivery of over 7.6 million free bus journeys in South Lanarkshire this year is a fantastic achievement, that demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving travel for our youngest, oldest, and most vulnerable citizens.
“While the UK Labour government is determined to strip pensioners of their Winter Fuel Payment, the SNP is supporting our pensioners by protecting free bus passes from age 60 – unlike in England, where they’re issued at age 66.
“While the UK Government is busy increasing tuition fees in England, we’re supporting our young people by introducing free bus passes to support them going to work, school, education or further training.
“These free bus passes are a lifeline for many – helping people access essential services, education, and employment – and demonstrate the difference that Scottish Government policies are making here in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.”
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