The party says extending the scheme would provide 500,000 more people with free travel, “opening up new opportunities to find work, education opportunities and to see more of Scotland”.
Scottish Greens leaders Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay. (Image: Scottish Greens)
Scottish Green co-leader Ross Greer noted that the current scheme had been a “huge success”.
He said: “Hundreds of thousands of young people are saving money, finding new opportunities, and helping to tackle the climate crisis.
“This scheme is one of the clearest achievements of the Scottish Parliament. Families across the country have saved thousands of pounds in a period when bills and other costs have otherwise soared.”
The under-22 free bus scheme came into force in January 2022, as a result of the SNP-Green joint budget.
Now, with the SNP clinging onto a minority government following the collapse of the Bute House Agreement in 2024, the support of the Greens will be essential in passing the upcoming budget.
Greer went on to say: “The cost-of-living crisis doesn’t stop for people the day they turn 22. For many young people the impact of losing their bus pass is huge, with new travel costs eating into their budgets.”
“Too many workers in their 20s are trapped in a cycle of ever-rising costs and insecure work, with far too many struggling to cover their rent and bills every month.
“Lowering the cost of public transport is a win-win for people and planet. That’s why the Scottish Greens are pushing for more people to get a free bus pass as soon as possible.”
Currently those who are younger than 22, older than 60, or have a disability are eligible for the free bus travel scheme.