Fury over new free bus pass update as Labour branded ‘disappointing’ | UK | News
The government has been criticized for being “unambitious” after deciding to scrap plans to trial a free bus ticket scheme for under-22s due to cost concerns. The trial was recommended in a report compiled by the cross-party Transport Committee in August on the grounds that it would increase access to jobs and education for young people, particularly in remote areas. But the government said on Friday it would not go ahead with the scheme, admitting money was not available during the current spending review period, which runs until 2028/29.
Ruth Cadbury, chair of the committee, warned it was a “missed opportunity” to provide support to young people who are currently “unable to get their first job or undertake strenuous journeys to get to school or university”. “We have heard throughout our investigation about the consequences of poor connectivity,” the Labor MP said, according to the BBC. “It is hard to shake the feeling that an opportunity to improve services could be missed, especially in rural and underserved communities.”
Gracie Moore, 22, from Slough, said she spends £120 a month traveling to and from work by bus each day and described the government’s rejection of the new plan as “disappointing”.
“Given that under-22s are so negatively affected by inflation, this would be very beneficial,” he added. “Things like buying our first watches or paying bills are already difficult, so this would take the pressure off us.”
The Scottish Government introduced free travel for under-22s three years ago, in a plan heralded as vital to “eradicating child poverty”.
“This isn’t just about saving young people and their families money, it’s about unlocking potential,” connectivity minister Jim Fairlie said this month. “Free bus travel helps young people access education, employment and connect with friends and family.”
However, Labor recently passed the Bus Services Bill; but it imposed stricter requirements on bus operators for canceled services and gave local governments more control over matters including franchising.
Transport Minister Heidi Alexander also said the new law would “make it easier for local leaders to take control of their buses” and was an example of “putting passengers first.”
But Ms Cadbury said although the legislation was “positive and necessary” it could not be the “final word”.
Data shows that the number of bus journeys in the UK has fallen in recent years, but fares have risen more sharply than inflation; The bus sector’s economic contribution will fall by around £8.9bn between 2011 and 2023, experts tell the Transport Committee.
