The introduction of free bus travel for those under 22 has been a game changer for young people and their families in North Ayrshire, says Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer.

New figures show that since the scheme was launched 18 months ago 18,862 young people in North Ayrshire have received their free bus passes. This is 77.4 per cent of all eligible young people in the area.

In total, 620,000 young people across Scotland have enjoyed over 62 million journeys.

Scotland is the only country in the UK to offer free bus travel for young people. The scheme, a long-time policy of the Scottish Greens, was delivered by the party in January 2022 after it joined the Scottish Government.

Ross Greer, the Scottish Green MSP for the West of Scotland, said: “Free bus travel has been a game changer for young people and their families in North Ayrshire.

"We are in a cost crisis and this scheme is helping household budgets while helping us reach our climate targets and tackle local air pollution problems.

“I’m really proud of how popular the pass has been. It is one of the most important changes that our Parliament has introduced since devolution, and is giving young people more opportunities to explore our country.

“It’s great that so many young people in North Ayrshire are already benefiting from this Green policy, but I want everyone to have that chance.

"I would encourage all of those who don’t yet have their pass to visit freebus.scot and register today.”