Ayr's MSP is urging all under 22s to apply for free bus travel.

It comes after figures show only 53 per cent of young people across South Ayrshire have signed up to the scheme.

In January 2022 the Scottish Government launched the travel card, which sees all young people and children aged 5-21 years old, entitled to free travel.

Siobhian Brown MSP has praised the take-up of the initiative so far. 

Ms Brown, said: "I am delighted young people across my constituency, and indeed across Scotland have applied for free bus travel but I’d like to encourage more to apply.

"Public transport can open doors to opportunities such as work, apprenticeships, leisure and education and it takes the pressure off young people's finances.

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"Young people have rightly challenged their politicians to take bold actions to create a sustainable future for them and free bus travel is an example of what can be done to rise to this challenge.

"Making bus travel free for under 22s is important for helping to tackle the climate emergency.

“The Scottish Government’s concessionary bus travel schemes are the most generous in the UK, with more than 2 million people across Scotland now eligible for free bus travel. 

"Everyone in Scotland under the age of 22, everyone 60 and over, disabled people and companions can benefit from free bus travel.

"For that reason I would encourage everyone to make sure they get what they are entitled to.”

Information about the scheme and how to apply is available: https://www.transport.gov.scot/concessionary-travel/young-persons-free-bus-travel-scheme/