Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel
The Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme will allow children and young people under 22 to travel for free by bus in Scotland.
Currently, the Scottish Government is encouraging people to stay at home as much as possible – until the situation with the pandemic improves. So Transport Scotland are asking that only those with an essential need to travel by bus apply at this time. That might be for work, education, health or care reasons, for example. If travelling, you should always follow the latest advice to keep yourself and others safe.
You will need a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC with the valid free travel entitlement with you whenever you want to take the bus – otherwise you’ll have to pay for your trip.
Eligibility
If you live in Scotland and are 5-21 years old you are eligible for a card giving you free bus travel from 31 January. Children under 5 years old already travel for free on buses and don’t need a card. Applications for cards open from 10 January. However, we are asking you only to apply at this point if you do need to make essential journeys by bus.
Children and young people aged 5−21 years old will need a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) before hopping on board. Previously issued cards will not allow access to the scheme.
Learn more about how you can apply for the scheme.
The Scottish Government is working in partnership with the Improvement Service (who are accountable for the NEC Scheme), National Entitlement Card Programme Office (who are responsible for the management of the NEC and support local authorities with the application process), and Young Scot to deliver the scheme.
