Bus pass scheme to remain for all over 60s, ministers decide

Free bus travel will continue to be available for people in Scotland from the age of 60, ministers have announced.

Following a review of the concessionary travel scheme, introduced in 2006, Transport Secretary Michael Matheson confirmed that there would be no increase in the qualifying age, despite concerns over the rising cost of the scheme, currently around £250m a year compared with an initial £159m.

It will also be extended to companions of eligible disabled children aged under five, which could result in over 3,000 families and children additionally benefiting from the bus pass.

The option to provide free bus travel for modern apprentices "will continue to be considered".

The decision follows a public consultation last autumn, which attracted nearly 3,000 responses from individuals and organisations. Two thirds of respondents felt that that the free bus pass should remain available from the age of 60. A similar number of respondents felt that modern apprentices should benefit, and an overwhelming number were in favour of providing companion cards for eligible disabled children aged under five.

Mr Matheson commented: "The concessionary travel scheme enables independence, accessibility and social inclusivity. We have listened closely to the many respondents who feel that the free bus pass should remain available to all from the age of 60 and concluded that we should not change the age of eligibility. We will also continue to explore options to provide free bus travel for modern apprentices, while keeping the scheme under review and maintaining a balanced budget."