Falkirk West MSP welcomes free bus travel for Scotland's youngsters

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Youngsters in the Falkirk area can apply for free bus travel from today. It means anyone ages between 5 and 21 can register for a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC to access the scheme from January, 31.Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson welcomed the initiative which is set to benefit around 930,000 young people in Scotland.It comes after research by Transport Scotland found 70% of young people would use public transport more frequently if it was free.Mr Matheson, also the Scottish Government's Transport Secretary, said: "Applications are now open for young people and children in Falkirk, under the age of 22, to apply for free bus travel across the country.Falkirk Live brings you the latest headlines from Falkirk and beyond.But did you know all the ways you can stay informed with us?We share live news and exclusive scoops every day so make sure you're following us so we can keep you informed on all things Falkirk!"This will benefit hundreds of thousands of young people across the country and is good news for young people, children, and families across Scotland."Young people in Falkirk West are rightly challenging their politicians to take bold actions to create a sustainable future for them and free bus travel is an example of what can be done to rise to this challenge."Making bus travel free for under 22's is not only important for helping tackle the climate emergency but it will take pressure off young people's finances and improve their access to education, leisure, and work."Whilst we continue to live through the pandemic, we all recognise that essential travel must be prioritised, so I want to specifically encourage those children and young people with essential journeys to make to