Clare Adamson, MP for Motherwell and Wishaw, welcomed the news that almost 8 million free bus journeys have been made in North Lanarkshire this year.

The Scottish Government is protecting free bus passes for all over-60s and disabled people, while extending the scheme to injured veterans. The free bus travel scheme for under 22s, launched in 2022, helps young people across North Lanarkshire gain free access to work, education and further training. There is no equivalent program anywhere else in the UK.

These schemes have delivered free bus journeys across North Lanarkshire in 2023/24, contributing to over 178 million free journeys recorded across Scotland this year.

Ms Adamson said: “Providing 7,967,724 free bus journeys across North Lanarkshire this year is a fantastic achievement and shows the SNP Government’s commitment to improving the mobility of our youngest, oldest and most vulnerable citizens.

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“These free bus passes are a lifesaver, enabling people to access key services, education and employment

“While the UK Labor government is determined to deprive pensioners of the winter fuel allowance, the SNP government is supporting our pensioners by protecting the free bus pass from the age of 60 – unlike in England where the ticket is issued from the age of 66.

“The SNP is committed to continuing to support the whole of Scotland and it is important to celebrate the difference SNP policy is making here in North Lanarkshire and across Scotland by offering 178,314,173 free bus journeys across Scotland this year.”

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