Claim city is short-changed again by refusal to fund free tram travel
Scottish Government rejects free fares for under-22s in city
The Scottish Government has ruled out funding free travel for under-22s on Edinburgh’s trams as it published a long-awaited public transport review.
The Fair Fares Review was set up to make Scotland’s public transport system more accessible, available, and affordable, with the costs of transport more fairly shared across government, business, and society. Its recommendations include developing proposals for a national integrated ticketing system and fare structure, as well as free rail travel for companions accompanying eligible blind people.
Explaining the rationale for rejecting free fares for under-22s on both Edinburgh trams and the Glasgow subway, the review said: “This option focuses support – £5m-£15m – within Edinburgh and Glasgow which have strong bus systems and so is not considered a good use of resources compared with other options as it would have a more marginal impact. In addition, Edinburgh Trams already provide concessionary travel to Edinburgh residents.”
The Scottish Government excluded trams from the free fares scheme it introduced for under-22s on buses in January 2022, leaving Edinburgh to cover the cost of ensuring the concession applied on trams as well.
But later that year the council said it could no longer afford to continue the under22s’ free tram fares. The cost of the policy is currently being met by Edinburgh Trams.
Edinburgh transport convener Scott Arthur said: “It is recommended that under
This will only make it harder for Edinburgh to meet existing climate and traffic reduction targets
22s will get free inter-island foot passenger travel in the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland, so it is incredible the same does not apply to tram travel in our Capital. Edinburgh is being short-changed yet again.
“By not treating concessionary travel on bus and tram on an equal basis, it will only make it harder for Edinburgh to meet the Scottish Government’s own climate and traffic reduction targets. Edinburgh Trams currently covers the cost of free U22 travel, and I feel that is neither sustainable nor acceptable.
“This decision comes on the back of the Scottish Government ‘pausing’ investment in bus priority measures – a monumental folly.”