Young Scots will be able to travel on a bus for free from today.
Anyone aged between five and 21 is eligible to apply for a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC in order to take advantage of the new scheme.
It is believed around 900,000 youngsters will be eligible for the initiative - but early data suggests that only “tens of thousands” have successfully signed up since applications opened on January 10.
The Scottish Government hopes the policy will make public transport ‘more affordable’ for young people across the country.
Transport Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I am delighted that from today, thanks to the Scottish Government, every young person under 22 in Scotland with an entitlement card can now travel for free by bus across Scotland.
"Extending free bus travel will make public transport more affordable, and help give many young people wider access to more education, leisure, and work opportunities.
"It will also support the choice to travel sustainably early in their lives.
"Increasing bus use will help us achieve our world-leading goal of reducing the number of kilometres travelled by car by 20% by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2045.
"It will also support local bus services to recover, as we all emerge from the most recent Covid-19 restrictions.
"Please remember that to keep people safe, face coverings are still required on public transport for those aged 12 or older, unless otherwise exempt."
How young Scots can apply for free bus travel
Scots can apply online for the card through getyournec.scot or parentportal.scot.
If you are aged 16 to 21 then you must apply for the NEC yourself.
Children aged 5 and 15 must get a parent or guardian to apply and provide approval for them to travel free by bus.
Schools in some council areas are already coordinating applications on behalf of their pupils. Schools will be in contact with parents or guardians and pupils directly if this arrangement is in place.
Scots should allow up to 10 working days from the date their application was approved for the card to arrive.
The Scottish Government has warned that applications may take longer to process due to the ongoing pandemic.
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