More than 200 million free bus journeys were made by young people in Scotland under the age of 22, and around a fifth of those were made in Edinburgh.
Local MSP, Gordon Macdonald, says this policy has had a “transformative impact”. The new figures show that 42,368,125 of bus journeys were made by under 22s in the capital since the government introduced the free travel three years ago.
He pointed out that the scheme continues to help deal with the problem of 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 will provide £409 million for concessionary bus travel, while providing access to free bus travel for almost 2.3 million people.
Mr Macdonald said: “Eradicating child poverty is the number one priority of this SNP Government, and by facilitating 42,368,125 journeys for under 22s across the city, the highest recorded across all local authority areas, we are making progress towards this goal.
“With over 200 million journeys now made across Scotland, this SNP policy is saving young people and their families significant amounts of money while creating new opportunities.
“This policy has been one of the most instrumental in improving the lives of young people across Edinburgh, supporting our bus services, our community, and our climate.
“This is the SNP under John Swinney delivering on Scotland’s priorities and for the city’s young people.”
Mr Macdonald has confirmed he will step down from Holyrood at the elections in 2026.
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