From 31 January 2022, five to 21 year olds living in Scotland (at least six months of the year) will be eligible for free bus travel, regardless of nationality.
In light of high levels of COVID-19 transmission, the Scottish Government is asking those eligible only apply for the scheme at this point if it is essential that you, or your child, travel while restrictions are in place. All other eligible applicants will be proactively encouraged to apply at a later date.
Free bus travel for children and young people will help to embed long-term and sustainable travel behaviours, reduce poverty, provide access to education and leisure activities, and open doors to new experiences.
Children and young people need a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) before they can travel by bus for free.
Excluding those under the age of five, anyone entitled will not be able to travel for free on the bus without a valid NEC or a Young Scot NEC and will need to pay for the fare as normal.
Children under five years old will continue to travel for free by bus and don’t need a card.
There are two ways to apply:
- Online at getyournec.scot (or through parentportal.scot if this is used by your child’s school).
- Local council: if you cannot apply online please contact your local council who can tell you how to proceed.
For all other info visit https://www.transport.gov.scot/concessionary-travel/young-persons-free-bus-travel-scheme/
