Transport Scotland - National Entitlement Card bus journey data: FOI release

Information requested

1. Whether Transport Scotland, or any body acting on its behalf, holds data on the number of bus journeys made using an individual National Entitlement Card (Young Scot card), where the cardholder is identifiable by card number or unique identifier.

2. If such data is held, whether it is possible to provide:
a) The total number of bus journeys recorded against an individual Young Scot / NEC card since the start of the Under-22 Free Bus Travel Scheme; or
b) A summary of journeys by date or by year (without operator-level detail, if necessary).

3. If this information cannot be released to the cardholder, please explain:
a) The reason for refusal (including any relevant FOISA exemption), and
b) Whether this data is retained internally and for how long.

Response

All bus journeys recorded using a National Entitlement Card (NEC) through the National Concessionary Travel Schemes are reported and Transport Scotland do hold this data.

Journey data related to a specific NEC can be ascertained. The current policy is that this data is retained by Transport Scotland for a period of nine years after the journey takes place at which point it will be reviewed and disposed of if no longer needed.

This journey data is available to a cardholder and may be requested for a period within the last nine years. If a cardholder would like to request this data they would be required to submit a Subject Access Request to concessionarytravel@transport.gov.scot. This should include a copy or scan of the NEC, and one other accepted form of ID.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

• a copy or scan of the photograph page of a passport or
• a copy or scan of a photocard driving licence or
• a copy or scan of at least two utility bills/bank statements from the last six months detailing the name and current address.

For children aged 11 and under, we also require confirmation that their legal guardian (if not the person making the request) consents to the release of the information.

About FOI

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