Free Buses for 1.5m Scots

Expanding Concessionary Travel to Under-22s

In government, the SNP has protected the Concessionary Travel Scheme for older and disabled people and extended the scheme to injured veterans.

Following a consultation, the Scottish Government confirmed that there would be no change to the proposed age of eligibility – the free bus pass will remain available to everyone in Scotland aged over 60. In England, by contrast, pensioners only receive their free bus pass upon reaching the state pension age of 66 – six years later than is the case in Scotland. 

Critically and uniquely, the SNP has also extended the scheme to everyone under the age of 22. And 2025 figures revealed that, since the introduction of the policy in 2022, 2,795,910 journeys were made by under-22s in Angus alone.

The scheme continues to help eradicate child poverty, tackle climate change and grow the economy by providing free access to education, employment and leisure.

Through the 2025-26 Budget, the Scottish Government provided £409 million for concessionary bus travel, providing access to free travel for almost 2.3 million people across Scotland.

This policy has been one of the most instrumental in improving the lives of young people across Angus, supporting our bus services, our community and our climate. It is yet another example of the SNP Government stepping in to improves lives and save people money while Westminster continues to cut support at every opportunity.