Free bus travel in Scotland for under the age of 22

All residents in Scotland under the age of 22 will be eligible for free bus travel from 31 January 2022.

The Scottish Government has confirmed the timetable for the roll out of the scheme, delivered in partnership with the Improvement Service, the National Entitlement Card Programme Office and Young Scot.

Legislative changes to allow the scheme to be extended from its original commitment to provide free travel for under-19s will be introduced to the Scottish Parliament this summer.

Approximately 930,000 young people will join the third of Scotland’s population who already benefit from free bus travel through the Older and Disabled Persons Free bus travel scheme.

Minister for Transport, Graeme Dey said:

“It’s crucial to embed more sustainable travel behaviour from a young age if we are to achieve our world-leading goal of reducing the number of kilometres travelled by car by 20% by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2045.

“We also know that young people have been disproportionately impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, so it’s never been more important that we support them to achieve their fullest potential. Reducing barriers created by transport costs is one really positive action we can take.

“Our National Transport Strategy commits to a fairer, greener transport system which will reduce inequalities and take action to protect our climate. I’m really pleased to be taking decisive action on both of those points by setting out this timetable to provide free bus travel for all under-22s living in Scotland.”

Dr Sarah Gadsden, Chief Executive of The Improvement Service said:

“The Improvement Service is committed to providing better life chances for all children and young people. It’s a commitment fully reflected in our strategic priorities. We’re honoured to be a delivery partner for the Young Persons’ Travel Scheme.

“Together with the National Entitlement Card Programme Office, we’re moving at pace to the support the scheme’s roll out, drawing on our experience and expertise from managing the National Entitlement Card Scheme for over 15 years. We’re placing our assets at the disposal of the Young Persons’ Travel Scheme, enhancing them to make the application process as easy as possible, both online and when using traditional channels, and to reduce the administrative burdens on Councils.”

Eligibility

If you are 5-21 years old and live in Scotland then you are eligible for free bus travel from 31 January 2022, no matter your nationality.

You must have a valid National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) that is in good working order. The photograph on the card must look like you (if your NEC or Young Scot NEC includes a photo) to travel by bus for free.

Children aged under 5 years do not need to apply for a card as they already travel for free on commercial bus services across Scotland.

All residents in Scotland under the age of twenty two will be eligible for free bus travel from 31 January 2022.

Getting your NEC

Age	Which NEC?	Approval required?
0-4 year olds	No card needed to travel for free by bus	N/A
5-10 year olds	NEC	Parent/guardian to apply
11-15 year olds	NEC, or Young Scot NEC	Parent/guardian to apply
16-21 year olds	NEC, or Young Scot NEC	Apply by themselves

How to Apply

Applications open on 10 January.

You can either apply online at GETYOURNEC.SCOT or (if your child’s school uses it) on parentsportal.scot. Alternatively, you can apply in person at your local council office. 

• If you are aged 16-21 you must apply for a new NEC yourself
• A parent or guardian must apply on behalf of 5–15 year olds and provide approval for them to travel for free by bus
• Children under 5 years old do not need a card as they already travel for free on commercial bus services

Lots of children and young people already have an NEC or Young Scot NEC. However, this cannot be used to travel by bus for free. You must replace this or get a new one to travel by bus for free.

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