ll young people and children aged 5-21 years can apply for a card from 10 January to access the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel Scheme from 31 January. But currently, the Scottish Government is encouraging people to stay at home as much as possible – until the situation with the pandemic improves. So we’re asking that only those with an essential need to travel by bus apply at this time. That might be for work, education, health or care reasons, for example. We have decided to pause the high profile marketing campaign which will be launched nationally at a later date. If travelling, you should always follow the latest advice to keep yourself and others safe.
You will need a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC with the valid free travel entitlement with you whenever you want to take the bus – otherwise you’ll have to pay for your trip.
Eligibility
If you live in Scotland and are 5-21 years old you are eligible for a card giving you free bus travel from 31 January. Children under 5 years old already travel for free on buses and don’t need a card. Applications for cards open from 10 January. However, we are asking you only to apply at this point if you do need to make essential journeys by bus.
Children and young people aged 5−21 years old will need a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) before hopping on board. Previously issued cards will not allow access to the scheme.
Apply here