Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel
Young People aged 5-21 living in Scotland can now apply to access free bus travel. However, in light of high levels of COVID-19 transmission, the Scottish Government are still encouraging young people, and everyone else to travel safely on buses and follow the latest Scottish Government COVID-19 guidance at all times.
Parents or guardians must provide approval for children aged between 5-15 to access the scheme by applying on their behalf. Young people aged 16-21 should apply themselves.
FAQs
Any child or young person who is resident in Scotland, and aged 5-21, can apply for the scheme.
If you are aged between 16–21 with an active NEC or Young Scot Card you can download free bus travel onto your existing card using the Transport Scotland's Pass Collect app. This means you may not need to apply for a new card to access your free bus travel. If you are unable to use the app, follow the instructions for Young People aged between 11-21 below.
Young People aged between 11-21 years old should apply through www.getyournec.scot *Please note that photographic ID is required (Passport/Driving Licence/Young Scot or PASS accredited card/Yoti account)
Children aged 5-10 years old should apply through www.parentsportal.scot
Children under 5 years don’t need a card as they already travel for free on commercial bus services across Scotland.
Back To TopIf you applied through Parents Portal and have an enquiry regarding your application, please contact them directly via their www.parentsportal.scot ‘HELP’ option.
If you applied through www.getyournec.scot for the card and have an enquiry regarding your application please contact the Improvement Service directly via their www.getyournec.scot ‘HELP’ option.
If you requested a paper application this will be sent out to you as soon as possible. If you have an enquiry regarding the paper application, please phone our Contact Centre on 03451 55 00 66 or email YPfreebustravel@fife.gov.uk
Back To TopGo to the nec.scot website to find out what documentation is required.
Please note for a temporary period of time ‘out of date passports’ can be used to support an application and proof of residency documents may be dated within the last 12 months.
If you have no photographic ID and cannot use YOTI (as per www.getyournec.scot) or are unable to use the Transport Scotland's Pass Collect app you can request a paper application by phoning our Contact Centre on 03451 55 00 66 or email YPfreebustravel@fife.gov.uk
Back To TopIf you make an application for the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme your concessionary travel entitlement will be cancelled. This will mean that if you hold a C+1 or a visual impaired persons’ card you will lose the benefits of this card. We recommend you do not change to the new scheme as this will not allow a companion to travel with you free of charge.
Back To TopIf you have a colour-coded, Council-issued bus pass, you must continue to use this on school buses – don’t use your new NEC. Your colour-coded school bus pass gives you priority over other pupils who don't have Council issued bus passes but who may wish to travel on the same bus. You can find further information on School Transport here.
Back To TopIf you are attending St Andrews University and are currently resident in Fife, you can take advantage of the Under 22 Free Bus Travel Scheme. You must apply via paper application ONLY; this is because the online method of applying will reject your application if a different address is showing on your proof of ID.
You can request a paper application by emailing YPfreebustravel@fife.gov.uk or calling 03451 550066.
Please email your completed form, photographic ID, proof of address and a passport-style photograph to YPfreebustravel@fife.gov.uk
If you do not have photographic ID you need to make an appointment at your nearest Customer Service Centre where your documentation will be checked and verified.
If you receive a new MyFife(NEC) and wish to use this card for cashless catering and/or library facilities you MUST have the card activated by the school.
If you have previously held a MyFife(NEC) and received a new card you should go to the school office to have the card number updated on the cashless catering/library system.
Back To TopWe are working hard to process applications as quickly as possible.
You should allow up to ten working days from the date your application was approved for your card to arrive. Please be patient – the current situation due to a high volume of applications means that it might take longer to process applications.
Back To TopFor your information, step-by-step instruction videos are below.
The freebus.scot website provides all the information needed to apply.
If you have any queries on the actual scheme itself, you can email Transport Scotland at: concessionarytravel@transport.gov.scot