National Free Bus and Tram Travel Scheme: FOI release

Information requested

1. "How much has Edinburgh City Council been made to spend on free tram fares for those under 22 since the Scottish Government introduced its free travel scheme for people under 22?"

2. "How much has the Scottish Government spent on the entire free travel for under 22s scheme since its introduction?"

Response

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance, the Scottish Government does not hold some of the information you have requested.

Question 1
We do not hold the information requested at question 1. This is because the Scottish Government does not operate or fund travel concessions on Edinburgh trams.

Decisions on concessionary travel on Edinburgh trams are for the City of Edinburgh Council to make and not the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government has no role in the ownership and operation of the tram system which is run by Transport for Edinburgh. The Scottish Government provides funding for the National Concessionary Bus Travel Schemes for Older and Disabled People and for Young People under age 22 which provide free bus travel only throughout Scotland for eligible National Entitlement Card holders. Concessionary travel on other modes of transport, such as trams, are the responsibility of local authorities who have discretionary powers under the Transport Act 1985 to provide and fund local concessionary travel schemes for their residents. The extent and terms of any such scheme are for individual local authorities to decide. The City of Edinburgh Council decided to use these powers to introduce free travel on Edinburgh trams for eligible Edinburgh residents.

Edinburgh City Council's spend on free tram fares for under 22s since the Scottish Government introduced its free travel scheme for people under 22 is, therefore, a matter for the Council. You may wish to contact the Council direct for this information at customercare@edinburgh.gov.uk or at 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BG. Alternatively, you can contact the Council's Freedom of Information Team at informationrights@edinburgh.gov.uk or on Tel 0131 200 2340.

Question 2.
Between 31 January 2022, when the scheme was introduced, and 13 January 2023 the Scottish Government spent £93,506,170.71 on the National Free Bus Travel Scheme for Young People under age 22.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.