Scottish Greens Strike Budget Deal With SNP

Local MSP John Finnie, Scottish Greens,  has hailed a deal struck by the party to deliver free bus travel for young people aged 18 and under as “transformational”.

The Scottish Government has agreed to implement free bus travel for young people in a major concession to the Scottish Greens as part of the annual Scottish budget process.

This means from 2021 all under-18s across Scotland will be able to use a concessionary scheme to travel for free on bus routes, in a similar way to the entitlement currently held by over-60s.

John Finnie MSP said:

“Free bus travel for young people is a transformational step towards tackling the climate emergency. This scheme could save young people and families thousands of pounds a year, and encourage whole generations of public transport users.

“Buses are the backbone of local public transport and the key to employment and training opportunities for so many of those starting out in life.”

The Scottish Greens have also secured an additional £95 million for vital local services including £665,000 for Orkney Islands Council, and an additional £13 million for community policing and prevention work.

John Finnie MSP added:

“Since the 2016 election the Scottish Greens have pushed the Scottish Government to provide councils with a fairer share of funding. I’m delighted that this year Greens have been able to deliver £665,000 more for Orkney Islands Council to help protect vital local services upon which my constituents depend.