Question reference: S6W-13292
- Date lodged: 15 December 2022
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Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 12 January 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it (a) has taken and (b) is taking to encourage under-22s to apply for the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel scheme.
Answer
In Autumn 2022 Transport Scotland launched a national marketing campaign across TV, radio, digital and social media and outdoor advertising channels. This has significantly increased awareness and understanding of the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme, and has encouraged even more young people to apply.
Additionally, since January 2022, Transport Scotland has undertaken extensive stakeholder communications to encourage uptake. This includes providing informational and promotional materials and advice to over 300 private, public and third sector organisations who work with children, young people, families, those in poverty, disability and carers groups, and others who may benefit from the scheme.
In October and November 2022, communications materials were also issued directly from Transport Scotland to all 2,500 Primary and Secondary schools across Scotland, providing access to bespoke resources and advice to communicate about the scheme with their pupils and families.
Information and resources for stakeholders are available on the freebus.scot website , which have already been widely used.
Transport Scotland continues to reach out to existing and new stakeholders to promote the scheme and encourage more young people to benefit.