Green Party Pushes Free Bus Travel for Under-22s in England

Getting to work or school shouldn't cost young people their future, and one political party thinks they've found a solution that pays for itself.

The Green Party is calling for free bus travel across England for everyone under 22. Leader Zack Polanski says the plan would open doors to jobs and training for young people struggling with the cost of living crisis.

The idea isn't new or untested. Scotland launched free bus travel for those aged 5 to 22 back in 2022, and it's been running successfully ever since. London already offers free bus rides for under-18s, proving the model works in England too.

"Young people are increasingly shut out of employment and training by the cost of living crisis, which often hits the youngest the hardest," Polanski explained. The party argues that when young people can't afford to get to interviews, classes, or their first day of work, everyone loses.

Here's the surprising part: the Greens say the program would actually pay for itself. More young people on buses means more people getting to work, earning money, and contributing to the economy. Research by KPMG shows that 2.2 million commuters depend on buses to reach their jobs, generating £72 billion in income each year.

Green Party councillors running in May's local elections plan to push for the scheme in their areas if elected. They're also applying pressure at the national level, pointing to a transport committee recommendation from last year that supports the idea.

The proposal comes as younger generations face mounting financial pressures, from rising rents to student debt. A bus pass might seem simple, but for a 17-year-old trying to get to an apprenticeship or a 21-year-old commuting to their first real job, it could mean the difference between opportunity and staying home.

The Ripple Effect

When young people can travel freely, entire communities benefit. They can take jobs further from home, expanding their options and helping businesses find workers. They attend more training programs, building skills that boost local economies. They connect with friends and activities that support mental health and social bonds.

The economic logic is straightforward: invest in mobility now, reap the rewards as young people become productive workers and engaged citizens. Scotland's experience suggests it works, and England's patchwork of local discounts shows there's already appetite for the change.

Free bus travel won't solve every challenge facing young people today, but it removes one barrier standing between them and a brighter future.