ABOUT THE SCHEME

Overview
From 31 January, nearly one million 5–21 year olds living in Scotland will be eligible to benefit from free bus travel. The scheme will embed sustainable travel behaviours from a young age, open doors to new opportunities, and help to meet our target of net zero emissions by 2045.

Children and young people who are 5–21 years old will need a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) to travel for free by bus. Parents or guardians of 5–15 year olds must apply on their behalf. Children under 5 years old already travel for free on commercial bus services and do not need a card.

Full details on how to apply will be advertised in January 2022.
The Scottish Government continues to work with its partners at the Improvement Service (who is accountable for the NEC Scheme) and National Entitlement Card Programme Office (who is responsible for the management of the NEC) and support local authorities with the application process and Young Scot to deliver the scheme, which will become operational on 31 January 2022.

Read the latest news on free bus travel for under 22s and find out more information on the legislation.