As I have posted previously, young people in Scotland aged five to 21 will be able travel for free on bus services from 31 January with a new or replacement National Entitlement Card or Young Scot card.

However national plans start marketing this now have been put on hold by Transport Scotland. Here is the reason: “Due to the rising cases of covid-19, and current messaging which encourages people to stay at home as much as possible, the decision has been taken to pause the launch of the marketing campaign until the situation improves.”

However, young people and children can still apply for their card from 10 January as planned, to access the scheme from 31 January onwards. Only those for whom bus travel is considered essential are being asked to submit their applications at this time.

This will also help to minimise pressure on councils, also impacted by the current situation with the pandemic, who will be responsible for processing applications and responding to enquiries.

Information about the scheme and how to apply is now available on the Transport Scotland website ahead of applications officially opening on 10 January: https://www.transport.gov.scot/concessionary-travel/young-persons-free-bus-travel-scheme/