Transport Scotland have launched an evidence gathering exercise on the impact the proposed free bus travel scheme for under 22s might have on island communities. This follows on from the consultation we carried out late last year on free bus travel for under 19s.

A number of respondents to the consultation raised issues around the impacts of the scheme on island communities. In considering these concerns, we committed to carry out an Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) for the under 19s scheme, now the under 22s scheme, before its introduction.

This further consultation seeks views to help us gather evidence to inform the ICIA that we are now undertaking. It will run from Monday 24 May to Monday 21 June 2021.

You can respond to the consultation online or by email to: IslandsBusTravel@transport.gov.scot.