Current status: Answered by Jim Fairlie on 4 June 2024
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the commitment in the Fair Fares Review to develop policy to consider the best way to provide free bus travel to people seeking asylum, including delivery of the one-year £2 million funding commitment for 2024-25 that was announced in October 2023.
A national pilot scheme is being developed for people seeking asylum not already eligible for free bus travel through the existing National Concessionary Travel Schemes.
This scheme will build on learning from local and regional pilots that have delivered free bus travel to people seeking asylum over recent years and will provide evidence on nationwide delivery, costs and demand.
A Working Group has been established with representatives from Transport Scotland, Third Sector organisations and those with lived experience of the asylum system. Work is progressing to establish what is affordable and practical for delivery during 2024-25 within the £2 million budget allocated.