Overview
- The official response published on Friday confirms the proposed under‑22 free bus travel trial will not proceed due to no available funding through 2028/29.
- The government also rejected calls for national minimum bus service levels, arguing differences in demographics, need and geography make them impractical.
- The Bus Services Act became law this week, imposing tougher requirements on operators and giving local authorities greater control, including franchising powers.
- Transport Committee chair Ruth Cadbury criticised the decision as a missed opportunity for young people, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
- Supporters point to Scotland’s free travel for ages 5–22 and evidence of falling journeys, rising fares and an estimated £8.9bn decline in the sector’s economic contribution since 2011.