Free bus pass for ‘essential’ under-22s only

FREE bus travel for under-22s will only be available for ‘essential journeys’ following a delay to the flagship scheme.

The Scottish Government had promised free passes for 930,000 people aged five to 21, with applications opening yesterday. The move was announced last year and the cards were meant to begin working from January 31.

However, ministers yesterday said not everyone should apply. They said people should be reducing social contact, which will delay the scheme’s launch, and that the free bus passes were for key workers and those needing them for reasons of education, health and care.

They failed to give a new date for rolling out the scheme.

Opponents accused the SNP of sowing confusion and breaking a key promise to young people. Scottish Labour transport spokesman Neil Bibby said: ‘Without proper criteria, applicants are having to decipher what the Government means by “essential” and whether their travel needs fit into that category.’

Transport Minister Graeme Dey said he was ‘delighted’ to launch the scheme – albeit in a limited way.