Fury over new free bus pass update as Labour branded 'disappointing'

The government has been criticised as "lacking in ambition" after deciding to scrap plans to trial a free bus pass scheme for under-22s because of cost concerns. The trial was proposed by the cross-party Transport Committee in a report compiled in August, on the basis that it would boost access to jobs and education, especially for young people in remote areas. However, the government said it will not move ahead with the scheme on Friday, admitting that no money is available under the current spending review period, which runs until 2028/29.

Committee chair Ruth Cadbury warned that it was a "missed opportunity" for providing support to young people who are currently "unable to get their first jobs or taking exhausting journeys to reach school or college". "Throughout our inquiry, we heard about the consequences of poor connectivity," the Labour MP said, as per the BBC. "It is hard to shake the feeling that an opportunity may be missed, particularly to improve services in rural and underserved communities."

Gracie Moore, 22, who lives in Slough, said she spends £120 a month travelling to and from work on the bus each day, and described the government's refusal to consider a new scheme as "disappointing".

"It would have been so beneficial, considering that under 22s are so negatively impacted by inflation," she added. "Things like buying our first hours or affording bills are already difficult, so this would have taken the pressure off for us."

The Scottish Government introduced free travel for under 22s three years ago, in a scheme that officials have heralded as crucial to "eradicating child poverty".

"This isn't just about saving young people and their families money - it's about unlocking potential," Jim Fairlie, minister for connectivity, said this month. "Free bus travel is helping young people access education and employment, and to connect with friends and family."

Labour has recently passed the the Bus Services Act, however, placing tougher requirements on bus operators for cancelled services and giving local authorities increased control over matters including franchising.

Transport Secretary 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 that while the law is "positive and necessary", it cannot "be the last word".

Data shows that the number of bus journeys in the UK has dropped in recent years, however, while fares have risen more sharply than inflation, with experts telling the Transport Committee that the bus sector's economic contribution dropped by roughly £8.9 billion between 2011 and 2023.