Press Release
12th January 2007

Local Youngsters Get Moving for Less
MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, says the new Concessionary Travel Scheme for young people will make it easier for youngsters to get out and about and broaden their horizons.

Under the scheme, local youngsters will enjoy cheaper travel on buses and trains.

The new scheme, which was launched on Monday, will:  

• Give all 16-18 year olds living in Scotland a third off single bus fares across the country;
• Give 16-18 year olds a free rail card entitling them to a third off rail travel within Scotland;
• Give 16-18 year olds who are resident on Scottish Islands two free return journeys to the mainland each year; and
• Also include full time volunteers up to the age of 25 who are actively contributing to their community.

Speaking about the scheme, Mr McNeil said:

“I’m delighted that Greenock and Inverclyde’s young people can now enjoy cheaper public transport.  It will help them broaden their horizons and see a bit more of Scotland for less.

“A third off bus fares and rail tickets will let them give them easier access to work, education and leisure opportunities, all at a reduced cost.”

One young man who is looking forward to cheaper travel is 16-year-old David McKenzie from Greenock.  He told the Telegraph,

“I can’t wait to get my hands on my new card – it’ll save me between £1.75 and £2.50 every time I go up to Glasgow to go shopping or to the football.  I’ll also have an extra 3 or 4 pounds in my pocket every week thanks to the money I’ll save on bus fares.”

Lyndsey McBride, 17, of Wemyss Bay, added:

“I take the bus to school in the morning and to work in the evenings and at weekends.  This travel card will effectively give me a wage rise of about £10 a week.”

Local young people between the ages of 16 - 18 year olds and young full-time volunteers up to the age of 25 are entitled to a National Entitlement Card.   Information on the scheme and how to get a card can be accessed at; www.givememycard.org.

Application forms can be picked up from various locations within the Local Authority or by calling the Young Scot InfoLine on: 0808 801 0338 (lines open 12:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday).

The scheme is expected to cost between £27 million and £30 million per year depending on take-up, which will be reviewed as is standard practice at the next spending review.
ENDS

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