Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel

Everyone aged between 5 and 21 can travel for free on the bus in Scotland, improving access to education, leisure, and work.

Over 800,000 children and young people can already access free nationwide bus travel, which is helping them to save money and travel sustainably early in their lives.

The National Entitlement Card (NEC) is the key to unlocking free bus travel. The scheme is operated by Transport Scotland, who pay bus operators for each journey made. Each journey needs to be recorded electronically, which is why children and young people need their NEC to travel.

If you are under 22 years old and live in Scotland you are eligible for free bus travel.

You need to apply for a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC to access free bus travel.

Children aged under 5 years do not need a card as they already travel for free on commercial bus services across Scotland.

If you're unsure about your eligibility, you can answer a few quick questions on mygov.scot to find out more.

People seeking asylum and refugees

As with all other 5-21 years olds living in Scotland, people seeking asylum and refugees of this age are eligible for free bus travel through the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme.

Online applications are not available for people seeking asylum or refugees. Instead, you must apply through your local council, using your Application Registration Card (ARC) and other supporting documents.

Local councils can verify your identity using evidence that cannot be accepted through the online system. The ARC cannot be used for online applications because it does not meet the UK Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) requirements for online identity verification.

Ferry vouchers

The scheme does not include ferry travel for all young people living on Scottish islands.

However, if you are aged 16-21 (or 22-25 and a full-time volunteer) and you live on an island, you may be eligible for ferry vouchers through the non-legislative scheme. You should check if you are eligible before travelling.

If you are aged under 22 and live within Orkney, Shetland or the Outer Hebrides, you can also get free foot passenger travel on inter-island ferry services within your own local council area by showing your NEC. Read more about free inter island ferry travel for under 22s.

Your National Entitlement Card (NEC) might look different depending on your age and what you want to use them for.

When you’re using your card for free bus travel, you need to tap your card on the reader when you get on the bus. This is because all bus journeys made under the scheme must be recorded so that the Scottish Government can pay the bus operators for the fare. The main thing to remember is that you’ll have to pay for your journey if you don’t have a card.

If you already have a Disabled Persons’ NEC

If you already have a disabled persons’ card, it is your choice whether you want to keep this or change to the Young Persons’ free bus travel scheme. Some local council areas provide discounted travel on rail, tram, or subway with a Disabled Persons’ NEC, but you are likely to have to renew that card more often. Currently, a Disabled Persons’ NEC is valid for up to three years. Further information can be found on our website.

Please note, if you have a Disabled Companion NEC which allows a companion to travel for free with you, then you should not change to the Young Person’s scheme as this scheme does not allow anyone to travel with you for free.

If you’re aged 5-11

You’ll use a photo-less NEC which includes your unique card number, ITSO number, name and card expiry date. You’ll be able to use this card until the day before your 12th birthday, but can apply for your new photo card (see below) any time from your 11th birthday.

If you’re aged 11-21

There are two card options for you to choose from.

Most people choose the Young Scot NEC which, along with free bus travel, can get you access to Young Scot membership rewards and discounts, and is also a PASS accredited form of ID. Go to the Young Scot website to find out more about what it offers.

If you don’t want the Young Scot branding and benefits with your card, you can apply for this version to access free bus travel. You will not get any of the other benefits available from having a Young Scot card.

NECs not used for travel

You might have an NEC that is not used for travel. This could be a card which keeps money for your lunch, or when it is used as your university or college matriculation card. If you have one of these you won’t be able to travel by bus for free and you’ll need to apply for a new card.

There are several ways to apply, replace, or renew your card.

If you're unsure about your options, you can answer a few quick questions on mygov.scot to find out more.

If you are a non-English speaker, please contact your local council to find out more and get support.

How to apply

If you are under 16 a parent, guardian, or carer must apply on your behalf. They can opt out if they no longer want the you to have access. If you live between different addresses, only one adult should apply, as you can only have one card.

Applications can be submitted up to two weeks before a child’s fifth birthday. In some council areas, schools may coordinate applications and will contact families directly.

If you are 16 or over, you should apply for your own card.

What you need

To confirm your eligibility, we ask for proof of identity (name and age) and proof of address. For children under 16, additional checks are required to verify the applicant’s identity, the child’s identity, and their authority to act on the child’s behalf.

These checks follow identity verification protocols and the UK National Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) standards. Young Scot NECs carry the PASS logo and can be used as proof of age.

To apply for free bus travel, you will need:

• your proof of identity (e.g. passport, driving licence, Young Scot card, Biometric Residence Permit, Yoti account)
• your proof of address (e.g. Council Tax bill or bank statement)
• a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders (if applying for yourself)

In addition to the above, if you are applying on your child’s behalf you will need:

• your child’s proof of identity (full birth certificate if under 11, passport, Biometric Residence Permit, or Young Scot card)
• your child’s proof of address if they don’t live with you
• a recent digital image of your child (if aged 11+) showing head and shoulders
• proof of relationship (e.g. full birth certificate, adoption or guardianship orders, or a letter from your local authority confirming care responsibility)

Applying online

You can apply for free bus travel online at getyournec.scot. To do this, you will need a mygov.scot "myaccount" (click register if you don’t have one).

Online applications use biometric face scans to verify that the applicant matches the identity documents. This replicates in-person checks and is only used for online submissions.

When applying online, you will be able to save your progress and return to your incomplete application later.

You should allow up to ten working days (two calendar weeks) from the date your application was submitted for it to be reviewed. Once approved, the card will be dispatched within two working days. You can check the status of your online application and update any details through getyournec.scot.

If you are applying on a child’s behalf and need more help, the following videos walk you through the online process:

• Watch a video on how to apply for a card for your child
• Watch a video on how to request a replacement card for your child

Applying through your local council

You can apply for free bus travel through your local council, which accepts a wider range of proof documents than online. Check the NEC website for accepted proofs.

Councils may offer a range of ways to apply, such as by phone, email, in person, or through schools.

You should allow at least two weeks to receive your card. If this will take longer, your local council will let you know.

If your details are incorrect once your card arrives, please contact your local council.

Applying through parentsportal.scot

Some local authorities use parentsportal as an easy way for parents, guardians, and carers to apply for their child’s free bus travel. Visit parentsportal to check if your child’s school and council support this method.

Transport Scot Pass Collect app

You can use the Transport Scot Pass Collect app to download your free bus travel if you are aged 16-21. You must already have an active NEC and use your own card to collect your travel. Dedicated matriculation cards aren’t compatible with the app.

Under 16s cannot use the app because it cannot verify identities or authorisation.

How to replace your card

You can replace your card free of charge through your local council or online at getyournec.scot. Glasgow city council residents can request a replacement via Glasgow Life’s online form.

If you’ve already linked your card to the Young Scot app and your details haven’t changed, you can easily order a new one through the app.

Once your new card is issued, your old one will stop working. You can dispose of it safely by sending it to:

Concessionary Travel and Integrated Ticketing
Transport Scotland
177 Bothwell Street
Glasgow
G2 7ER

Rejected application

If your application has been rejected, you should be told why and given guidance on how to fix it by the channel you applied through.

Check that your details and photo meet the requirements. If issues persist, contact your local council.

Using your card is really easy. When you get on the bus, tell the bus driver where you are going then tap your card on the electronic card reader and the smart technology will do the rest.

Top tips to remember:

• Do not let anyone else use your card – it is for you only
• Take good care of you/your child’s card – if you forget it or it gets damaged and doesn’t work, you’ll need to pay the fare until you get a replacement card.
• If your card has a photo, make sure it is up to date and it looks like you.
• Always keep in touch with your family and friends to let them know where you are – it’s important to stay safe.
• Cooperate with the driver and treat them and other passengers with respect - ensure you are the only person that can hear your music, make sure you pick up all your litter, and keep your feet off the seats.

Read the full scheme terms and conditions.

Using a Young Scot card

You can also use a Young Scot card to save money on both in-person and online discounts and as proof of age. Find out more at Young Scot’s website.

Where you can travel

Your National Entitlement Card gives you free travel throughout Scotland on nearly all local registered and long-distance scheduled bus services. Only a few services (such as premium-fare night buses, tours/excursions and group hire services) do not accept the card. So, you can travel almost everywhere in Scotland and as far as Carlisle and Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Contact the bus company before you travel if you have any questions.

Paper tickets

The National Concessionary Travel Scheme legislation does not require paper tickets to be issued to cardholders for concession journeys so you might not receive a paper ticket when you travel. This is an operational decision at the discretion of the bus operator.

Booking in advance

Some services allow you to book tickets and/or seats in advance. It is possible to book in advance with a National Entitlement Card but you may incur a booking fee which will not be covered by your card. Remember to check with the bus operator if your tickets need to be collected before you make your journey.

Card not working

If the driver advises that your card is not working, it may be damaged or expired. You can request a replacement through your local council or online at getyournec.scot.

If your card is “hotlisted” or “blocked”, it is likely because you have requested a replacement card therefore your old card has stopped working. As soon as your new card arrives, you should start using it and destroy your old card.

Replacements are free of charge, but you will need to pay any fares until the replacement arrives.

For any other issues with your card, please contact concessionarytravel@transport.gov.scot

If you have a question about Young Scot services, contact info@young.scot

Top tips for travelling safely

Free bus travel can provide you with many benefits, but it’s important to consider your safety when travelling. Follow these tips to keep yourself as safe as possible:

• Let your parents, carers, guardians or friends know where and when you’re travelling.
• Give someone you trust a note of your 16-digit card number (the one beside the blue ‘ITSO’ logo) in case there is ever a need for this to be shared with Transport Scotland and other relevant authorities.
• Plan your journey ahead of time.
• Remember to take your card with you when travelling.
• Take extra care when travelling at night. Make sure someone knows where you are, know your route, and be especially aware of everything that is happening around you.

Top tips for parents and guardians

Letting your child or young person use free nationwide bus travel may feel daunting. It is a big responsibility, and safety is a common concern. We encourage all parents and guardians to have conversations with their children travelling safely and confidently.

Introducing bus travel early can help build your child’s confidence and independence. It is also useful to discuss what to expect on a journey, such as how to interact with drivers and passengers, and how to use their card - especially if they’re new to bus travel.

Training for drivers

We worked closely with Barnardo’s Scotland to provide simple and clear guidance for bus drivers on protecting children and young people and keeping them safe from harm. This covers a huge range of issues and provides helpful advice for drivers on how to report issues if they arise.

Martin Crewe, Director for Barnardo’s Scotland said:

"Barnardo’s Scotland is proud to have worked with Transport Scotland to create a bespoke training package on child safeguarding for bus drivers across Scotland.

Through training in general safeguarding and the signs of exploitation, we have helped to give bus drivers the confidence to recognise risks to young passengers’ safety and provided them with the knowledge of what to do and who to speak to if they have any concerns.”

Visit Barnardo’s Scotland for more information on their work and support.

Get help with applying or replacing your card

Online

• Get Your NEC
• Young Scot
• parentsportal

Local council

Find contact details for your local council.

Bus operators

If you have any questions about individual bus routes, services, or journeys please contact the bus operator directly.

Help with the Transport Scot Pass Collect app

For any questions about our app please email concessionarytravel@transport.gov.scot or write to us at:

Concessionary Travel and Integrated Ticketing
Transport Scotland
177 Bothwell Street
Glasgow
G2 7ER

About the free bus travel scheme

Transport Scotland is responsible for the policy and some aspects of the delivery of the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme including the reimbursement of bus operators. The scheme is delivered through the National Entitlement Card (NEC). The Improvement Service is the accountable body for the NEC Scheme. It also operates and manages getyournec.scot and parentsportal.scot.

The National Entitlement Card Programme Office supports the Scheme’s operational management and delivery under a Service Level Agreement with the Improvement Service. This includes support to all Scottish local authorities for the NEC application process, including for card issue, renewals and replacements. 

For general information on the scheme, or if there's anything you're not sure about, please email concessionarytravel@transport.gov.scot or write to us at:

Concessionary Travel and Integrated Ticketing
Transport Scotland
177 Bothwell Street
Glasgow
G2 7ER

Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme – Customer Service Guide

Our Customer Service Guide provides information for key stakeholders, organisations and support groups to assist in their communications about the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme with customers and clients and can help stakeholders advise on questions they may receive.

National Entitlement Card (NEC) and Young Scot NEC must be in good working order

• You (or parents, guardians, or carers of cardholders aged under 16 years old) must ensure that your card is kept in a good condition and presented to the bus ticket machine or other transport ticketing equipment in good working order i.e. undamaged in any way.
• If your card is damaged so that it cannot be scanned on the bus ticket machine (or other transport ticketing equipment), you will be required to pay the full fare for your journey. You (or parents/guardians of cardholders aged under 16 years old) will have to ensure that the appropriate bus fare or other transport ticket can be paid in full.
• If your card is damaged it is your responsibility (or parents/guardians of children under 16 years old) to request a replacement card from your local council or online to allow access to free bus travel and any other transport discounts.
• If you need a new or replacement card then please visit Transport Scotland’s

NEC and Young Scot NEC – not transferable

• Those eligible to access the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme will be provided with a card that is unique to them. Please carry your card with you when you are travelling.
• Cards should be kept safe and must only be used by the named cardholder to access free bus travel.
• Cards must not be used by or given to any other person for their use.
• Transport operators may refuse free travel to anyone where the image on the card doesn’t match the person presenting it.
• Transport Scotland has a fraud policy and any person(s) found to be misusing any aspect of the scheme (including allowing a card to be used by someone else) may have their entitlement to free bus travel suspended. Incidents of misuse may also be reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
• Cardholders (and parents/guardians of cardholders under 16 years old) have a duty to report any changes of circumstances which may affect entitlement, including changes of address, to their local council.

General information

• Travel using a National Entitlement Card is subject to the normal regulations and conditions of carriage of each transport operator.
• Your card gives you the same rights as a full-fare paying passenger.
• The Young Scot NEC is part of the accredited proof of age card scheme PASS. This means that the Young Scot NEC can be used as proof of age.
• The photo on your card needs to be kept up to date to use it to prove your age for age restricted products or services. Your card must not be used by any other person.

Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy outlines how we use, store and share the personal information we hold about you in connection with our national concessionary travel schemes.

Transport Scot Pass Collect App Terms and Conditions

Read the terms and conditions for the Transport Scot Pass Collect app.

Policy and legislation

Legislation was approved by the Scottish Parliament in March 2021 enabling the introduction of a new statutory scheme to allow 5-18 year olds resident in Scotland to access free bus travel through the National Entitlement Card (NEC) and the Young Scot branded NEC (Young Scot card).

Following a further commitment made by the Scottish Government, legislation to allow the scheme to be extended to include those aged under 22 was approved by the Scottish Parliament in autumn 2021.

Read more about the scheme legislation and Impact Assessments.