Transport / MSP keen for progress on giving young islanders free inter-island ferry fares
Transport Scotland says there is no update on the proposal at present
AN SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands has renewed calls for free bus travel for people aged under 22 to be expanded to include inter-island ferries.
It comes as data shows that more than 460,000 bus journeys have been made by those issued with cards in the Shetland Islands Council area since the introduction of the under-22 bus 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”.
Scottish Government agency Transport Scotland confirmed earlier this year that it would give “detailed consideration” to the proposal to give free foot passenger travel on council ferries to Scottish island residents aged under 22.
It has long been argued by some that internal ferries are in effect a bus for islanders and that they should be included in the under-22 scheme.
When asked recently by Shetland News about the proposal ahead of the Scottish Government’s budget later this year, a spokesperson for Transport Scotland said there was no update.
Roddick said she will continue to work with government colleagues on the matter.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
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