10m free bus journeys for Dundee young people

Since the Scottish Governments’ introduction of free at the point of use bus travel throughout Scotland in January 2022, the number of journeys made in Dundee using an under-22 bus pass has surpassed the 10 million mark.

Since the scheme came into effect in January 2022, it has saved young people and their families in the city an estimated £19.8million in travel costs.

The scheme aims to encourage travel by public transport and reduce transport poverty by:

• Encouraging more children and young people to start travelling by bus at an early age

• Opening up social, education, employment and leisure opportunities

• Saving families and young adults travel costs, and helping to reduce child poverty

Convener of the Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure Committee Steven Rome said: “The fact that the 10 million milestone has been reached in a little over three years shows just how much of a difference this scheme is making to the lives of young people across Dundee.

"Of course, it’s not just about the number of journeys, but what those journeys allow young people to do.

"It’s opened employment, leisure and learning opportunities for people across the city, while also cutting emissions and supporting climate action.

A survey was recently carried out by the Council to learn more about the impact of free bus travel on the city’s young people. This received almost 1,400 responses, including over 1,300 from 5-21 year olds who currently have an NEC card for free bus travel.

Some 90% of young people with a free bus pass said they can do more as a result of the scheme. This includes a range of activities and benefits which are enrichening their lives with more opportunities and experiences:

• Young people are using free bus travel to spend more time with friends and family, including enjoying different activities.

• Free bus travel is also supporting young people with their leisure and learning activities, such as school, college and university travel, library visits, employment and volunteering opportunities, and travel to events and cultural attractions across Scotland.

•  Lots of young people are also participating more in a range of indoor and outdoor physical activities such as swimming, hiking, going to the gym and joining new clubs for sports such as football, gymnastics, and volleyball.

Council fairness and wellbeing spokesperson Siobhan Tolland added: "The vast majority of journeys being made under the scheme are for positive reasons, bringing real benefits for children and young people in Dundee.

"The survey shows just how important free bus travel is, it removes the cost barrier and enables people to access opportunities that would otherwise be financially out of reach.

"I want to thank every young person who is using Dundee’s buses responsibly. While we recognise that a small number of individuals have not used the scheme appropriately, this should not overshadow the overwhelming positivity surrounding it."

Respondents said their free bus pass supports them and their families by allowing them to travel without relying on parents or carers for transport, particularly for travelling to activities after school, or if their parents don’t drive.

This independent travel also builds confidence and life skills, with two-thirds of young people saying that having a free bus pass has supported and developed their independence.

The feedback shows how they are being empowered to pursue their interests, hobbies, passions and education.

Stewart Hunter, convener of the council’s Children, Families and Communities committee, added: "At a time when the cost of living is posing a real challenge, this scheme eases the pressure on parents by allowing children to travel free.

"It is also beneficial for our young people’s development that they are able to travel throughout Scotland and see things outside the confines of their own community, where they may not otherwise have the opportunity to do so."