The uptake for free bus passes that are being offered to under-22s has been called "pitiful" as hundreds of thousands have not yet claimed the free travel pass.
According to the latest statistics there are 986,600 eligible for the pass with just 413,909 applying six months after it was launched. This has led some to say that the application process has not been streamlined enough with people facing too many barriers when applying.
Scottish Labour Transport spokesperson Neil Bibby said: "The holidays would’ve been the perfect time for young people to make use of their pass. It’s good to see uptake climbing, but this is pitiful progress half a year into this flagship scheme."
This may leave some wondering how the process works, to get a hold of a pass for themselves or for a young person that they care for. Here is key information covering the application process.
Who is eligible
Eligible groups for the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel scheme includes those between the ages of five and 21 years of age.
To be eligible, you must also currently live in Scotland and have an active National Entitlement Card (NEC), or Young Scot National Entitlement Card. Active cards are those issued after 2016 which have a long number next to the ITSO logo and a pink strip highlighting the date of birth.
Those under the age of five do not need a card as they already travel for free on commercial bus services across the country, according to Transport Scotland.
How to apply
The application process will depend on the age of the applicant. Those aged 16-21 must apply for a new NEC which will grant free bus travel, while a parent or guardian must apply on behalf of five to 15 year olds. Young people can apply through getyournec.scot and parents can apply through parentsportal.scot.
Once an application is accepted for young people they can download free bus travel onto their existing NEC card using the Transport Scot Pass Collect app. In some local council areas, schools coordinate applications on behalf of their pupils.
Schools will contact parents, guardians or carers and pupils directly if this arrangement is in place.
What you will need
In order to successfully apply for a NEC which will grant you free bus travel, you will need to make sure that your application is properly submitted. In order to ensure you have a full application, you should make sure that you have all of the following.
Over 16s applying for a National Entitlement Card:
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a device with a camera or webcam (laptop/tablet/phone).
- a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders.
- proof of identity (passport, driving licence, Young Scot card, etc).
- proof of address (such as Council Tax bill or bank statement).
Parent applying on behalf of your child aged under 16:
- a device with a camera or webcam (laptop/tablet/phone).
- parent proof of identity.
- parent proof of address (such as Council Tax bill or bank statement).
- proof of your child's identity (eg. birth certificate (if under 11 only), passport, Biometric Residence Permit or Young Scot card).
- proof of your child's address (only if they live at a different address from you).
- child's birth or adoption certificate (listing both your name and your child). Note: abbreviated birth certificates will NOT be accepted.
- a recent digital image of the child (if aged 11+) showing head and shoulders.
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