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Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has hailed the “transformative” impact of Scottish Government transport policy. Her praise comes after new figures showed that children and youths from South Lanarkshire have taken over 9.6 million free bus journeys since the introduction of free travel for those under 22 three years ago. This follows news earlier this month that over 250 million free bus journeys have been made across Scotland since the Scottish Government launched the scheme in January 2022. The total number of journeys has now risen to more than 257 million. The scheme continues to help eradicate child poverty, tackle climate change and grow the economy by making it easier for young people to travel for education, employment and leisure activities. Ms Haughey said: "In the face of rising bills and food prices under successive UK governments, the Scottish Government is taking real action to help put more money in people’s pockets. "Eradicating child poverty is one of the Scottish Government’s top priorities - that’s why I’m proud that a young people from South Lanarkshire have now made a staggering 9.6 million free bus journeys since we introduced free bus travel for under-22s across Scotland. "This isn’t only saving young people and their families money - these journeys are transforming lives. "Free bus travel is helping young people fulfil their potential by accessing education and employment, and helping them to connect with friends and family. "I want to thank every young person from Rutherglen and Cambuslang who has chosen the bus. In doing so, you are supporting our towns and cities, our climate and our bus services. "Along with Scottish Government action to permanently remove peak fares on ScotRail services, and our other concessionary travel schemes which offer free bus travel to over 2.3 million people across Scotland, we’re putting more money in people’s pockets by saving them money on transport." *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here .
