Emma Roddick, the SNP Highlands & Islands MSP, has renewed calls for free bus travel for young people under 22 years old to be expanded to include inter-island ferries.
It comes as data has shown that over 235,000 bus journeys have been made by those issued with cards in the Orkney Islands Council area since the introduction of the scheme.
Emma Roddick said:
“The introduction of free inter-island ferries for under-22s would only improve the lives of young folk in our islands, giving them greater freedom to take up opportunities across the islands.”
“We know how valuable free bus travel has been for young people, allowing them to travel for education, employment, or social opportunities without any financial barriers. We need to recognise that, for our island communities, inter-island ferries are a necessary part of daily life, just like buses are for others.
“I will continue to work with colleagues in the Scottish Government and folk living in our island communities to ensure that they can unlock the same opportunities as those living in communities on the mainland.”
Click on this link to find out more about concessionary bus travel in Scotland: A Guide to Concessionary Travel