Mums give up catching under-22 bus passes

The Scottish Government’s free bus passes for young people under 22 has been vaunted by local SNP MPs and MSPs, but Highland mums are giving up applying for their youngsters, blaming ‘unbelievably tedious and frustrating hoops’.

The First Minister announced last year that all under-22s in Scotland can access free bus travel from Monday January 31.

From Monday January 10 young people aged five to 21, or their guardians, were able apply for their new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC in order to access the scheme.

However, parents are now complaining of the difficulties in applying for the card.

One computer savvy mum helping her daughter app ly, cursed ‘unbelievably tedious and frustrating hoops’.

She told us: ‘It is such a hassle to apply for it that I can’t help wondering if people will be put off. I spent nearly three hours trying to get the card for my teenage daughter; registering for myscotgov.org, finding all the relevant paperwork – including birth certificate – only to find I needed a camera on my computer, which I don’t have.

‘I then tried to use my phone but the website refused to recognise the original YoungScot card number. Three times. I gave up after that. Maybe that’s what they want? Would save the government money…’

More mums agreed. ‘Bl**dy system was a nightmare,’ said one in a Facebook mums’ group: ‘I was in and out the system for days.’

‘Spent ages trying to do it online then gave up,’ said second.

‘It was definitely a faff. I was completing the application on a laptop and had to scan documents using my phone,’ added another. With another advising: ‘Patience and time needed.’

Transport Scotland said: ‘For those who don’t have the required proofs to apply online, applications can be made direct with individual local authorities and, in some local council areas, schools are coordinating applications on behalf of pupils.’