SNP may give all under-25s free bus pass ...for £230m

ministers are to consider a scheme that would give everyone up to the age of 25 free bus travel – despite a possible £230million annual bill.

transport secretary michael matheson confirmed that the scottish Government will carry out an ‘appraisal’ to consider if the policy is ‘sustainable’.

But critics described it as ‘inexplicable’ at a time when ministers have not provided enough cash for the existing free travel scheme, available to disabled people and those over the age of 60.

scottish Labour led a debate on the issue yesterday, after unveiling the plan at its conference this month. it claims the initiative would cost £13.5million a year, but mr matheson said the true figure

‘Scheme is already running out of money’

would be £200-£230million. He added that it was important to recognise the plan had to be ‘financially sustainable’.

the scottish Daily mail recently revealed that the budget for reimbursing bus operators for allowing concessionary passholders to use their services was on the brink of running out of money.

scottish tory transport spokesman Jamie Greene said: ‘it seems to me inexplicable how we could commit to adding further users to the eligibility criteria when the current concessionary travel scheme is already running out of money ten months into the financial year.’

A majority of msPs voted yesterday to back Government plans to carry out an appraisal of the costs and benefits of extending free bus travel to those aged 25 and under.