Around of half of young people in North Lanarkshire are already taking advantage of free bus travel

dailyrecord.co.uk:

More than 33,000 young people in North Lanarkshire have benefited from the free bus travel scheme brought in by the Scottish Government.They are among 550,000 residents, aged up to 22 years old, across the country who have taken more than 33 million free journeys since its launch.Around half of all young people in North Lanarkshire, a total of 33,609, have enjoyed free bus travel.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Central Scotland MSP Gillian Mackay has welcomed the positive impact that the free bus travel has brought.Scotland is the only country in the UK to offer free bus travel for young people.

It was introduced in January, following negotiations between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government.Green MSP Ms Mackay said: “Less than a year since the launch, I am delighted that so many young people in North Lanarkshire have been able to benefit from free bus travel.“I am very proud that Scotland is the first part of the UK to do this, and hope that others follow.

It has been a big success and is opening up our community and our country for young people and their families.“We want to ensure that public transport is always the first and best option.