Green Party calls for free bus travel for under-22s
The Green Party is calling for free bus travel for those under 22 in England.
Leader Zack Polanski said the introduction of a universal bus pass was “part of improving the lives of young people” who are being locked out of employment and education due to the high cost of living.
The party said the plan would be self-financing, arguing that increased bus use would boost the economy.
“Young people are increasingly excluded from employment and education due to the cost of living crisis, which often hits young people hardest,” Mr. Polanski said.
“This Labor Government has made things worse for young people, with the poorest getting poorer and the rich getting richer.
“Free bus travel for young people is part of improving the lives of young people and showing what a richer, greener country would look like if we invested in people and not handed over our assets to the super-rich and corporations.”
The plan would put England on par with Scotland, where five to 22-year-olds have been entitled to free bus travel since 2022.
In London, under 18s already travel free on buses; Other discounts are available for those up to 25 years old. Some bus companies in the UK also offer discounts to young people.
Mr Polanski said Green Party councilors would seek to introduce universal busing to their areas if elected in May’s local elections.
He said: “Green councilors elected in May will use their influence to get this plan implemented in their areas and we will apply political pressure at a national level to implement a plan recommended by the transport select committee last year.
“Free bus rides for youth are part of our mission to renormalize hope.”
The party highlighted KPMG research estimating that 2.2 million passengers rely on buses to get to work, generating a collective income of £72 billion each year.
