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Greens Relaunch Bid for Free Bus Travel for Under-22s Across England

Leaders cite research suggesting higher ridership would cover costs through local economic gains.

Overview

  • The party set out the under-22 universal bus pass as a way to ease access to work and education for young people.
  • Leaders argue the policy would pay for itself, pointing to KPMG estimates of strong returns from increased bus use.
  • Ministers halted a proposed free trial last October as unaffordable, so the plan remains a party campaign rather than government policy.
  • Zack Polanski said Green councillors elected in May would seek to introduce the scheme locally and apply pressure nationally.
  • The push follows a Commons Transport Committee recommendation and parallels Scotland’s free travel for ages 5–22 as well as London’s free buses for under-18s.