Free bus travel could help lift young people out of poverty. Here’s how

The Poverty Alliance, which campaigned for the scheme and now wants to see it extended, said it has given people more freedom in their lives. 

Policy and campaigns manager Ruth Boyle told the Big Issue: “When public transport is affordable and accessible it gives people more freedom in their lives. It can be a key that unlocks access to jobs, education, training, childcare, healthcare and other public services, and stronger community connections.

“People in Scotland have told us how much the under-22s’ concessionary bus travel scheme has helped them, and we are pushing for the Scottish government to expand free bus travel even further – starting with people on low-income social security.

“One lesson from Scotland is that we also need investment to make sure buses run where people want, when people want – especially in rural areas. That’s why we have supported moves to bring buses back under regulation and to expand public ownership. We need to put passengers before profit.”

In England the government did introduce a £2 single fare cap on buses to help with the cost of living in 2023, a cost that has since gone up to £2.50. But that scheme ends in November.

And as our reporter discovered in 2022, permanent measures are needed to make bus journeys more accessible.

Silviya Barrett from the Campaign for Better Transport said: “A lack of access to good quality, reliable and affordable public transport is undoubtably a barrier to employment for many young people. 

“The introduction of the temporary £2 single bus fare in England has helped make bus travel more affordable and helped to boost passenger numbers, but the scheme is due to end this year. We’d like to see bus fares remain affordable to young people with the introduction of discounted flat fares for children and young people under 22 across England.”

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. Big Issue exists to give homeless and marginalised people the opportunity to earn an income. To support our work buy a copy of the magazine or get the app from the App Store or Google Play.