If you are 5–21 years old and live in Scotland then you are eligible for free bus travel from 31 January 2022, no matter your nationality.

You must have a valid National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) that is in good working order. The photograph on the card must look like you (if your NEC or Young Scot NEC includes a photo) to travel by bus for free.

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

Which NEC card?

Lots of children and young people already have an NEC or Young Scot NEC. However, this cannot be used to travel by bus for free. You must replace this or get a new one to travel by bus for free.

How you do this depends on what age you are:

• A parent or guardian must apply on behalf of 5–15-year-olds and provide approval for them to travel for free by bus.
• 16–21-year-olds can apply themselves.

Applications open in early January 2022. Call Young Scot direct on 0808 8010338 to apply.