Question reference: S6W-05088
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 13 December 2021
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Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 10 January 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact that the (a) COVID-19 pandemic and (b) Omicron variant has had on the implementation of free bus travel for people under the age of 22 from 31 January 2022.
Answer
The Scottish Government recognises how important free bus travel will be to those young people under the age of 22 who need to make essential journeys during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme remains set to come into operation on 31 January 2022. Details on how to apply are available on the Transport Scotland website ( https://www.transport.gov.scot/concessionary-travel/young-persons-free-bus-travel-scheme/#69510 ). At this time, given the high levels of transmission associated with the Omicron variant, we are asking that only those with an essential need to travel by bus apply and that anyone travelling should follow the latest advice to keep themselves and others safe. The high profile marketing campaign which was planned to accompany the opening of the application process has been delayed until a time when it better aligns with wider public messaging, once current guidance on staying at home as much as possible and avoiding mixing in larger groups has been eased. As a result, initial usage of the scheme is expected to be less than it would otherwise have been.