Long-term future fears of free bus passes raised

SCOTLAND’S transport minister has flagged concerns over the long-term sustainability of free bus passes.

Humza Yousaf made the comments ahead of the results of a wide-ranging consultation on raising the age of eligibility, due in the coming weeks.

He said an ageing population made it i mperative to “find a balance” between making the scheme fair and ensuring it remains affordable.

But critics accused him of “freely admitting” a shake-up was on the way. Free bus passes for over-60s and the disabled wereintroduced in 2006 under the last Labour-led administration.

Mr Yousaf said there was “concern around the longer-term sustainability” of the scheme.

He added: “We know that we have an ageing population, an ageing demographic – as most of western Europe does – and therefore we have to find a balance between making this scheme fair, realising the benefits of it, and making it sustainable in the long term.

“That’s why we’ve had the consultation. We do have to look at that sustainability.”

At a Holyrood committee, he said there had been around 3000 responses to the Government’s call for views.

More than 1.3 million people benefit from Scotland-wide free bus travel – a third of all bus journeys made each year.

But Scottish ministers are considering raising the age of eligibility amid concerns over long-term sustainability. Those who already have a bus pass – or become eligible for one before any changes are made – would not be affected.