Children and young people's voices matter: progress report - January 2020

Transport

18 We will carry out a comprehensive review of an extension of discounts on public transport currently available to those aged 16-18 and extending it to those under the age of 26. This will incorporate an appraisal of costs and benefits as any changes to the scheme must fully consider the range of impacts that may result and where benefits may accrue.

Transport Scotland is working with partners to carry out a review of an extension to discounts available on all types of public transport to those under the age of 26.

The review will include this action. As part of the review, we will also develop plans with our partners to explore how all areas of transport, including travel concession schemes, can best support the delivery of the child poverty reduction targets set out in the Child Poverty Delivery Plan. Also, following the debate on free bus travel on the 20th March, we will carry out an appraisal which looks at the costs and benefits of extending free bus travel to people under the age of 26, which fully considers financial sustainability.

We are carrying this work out in 2 phases. Phase 1 will focus on collecting evidence. This will include in-depth research with people who have experienced living in poverty. This will focus on the six priority groups (e.g. minority ethnic families) set out in the Child Poverty Delivery Plan.

This research will help us to understand the key transport challenges facing people living in poverty and any specific issues for those in the priority groups. It will also help us to understand the role transport plays in creating barriers and making problems worse for those living in poverty. Finally, it will help us to identify policies or initiatives that could help make transport more affordable and accessible. The findings will inform our update for the Child Poverty Progress Report in spring 2020.

Phase 1 will also look at costs and benefits and how the review of the evidence can help achieve wider Scottish Government outcomes.

Phase 1 has started and we hope to begin the research early in 2020.

Phase 2 will set out the case for change, with detailed options based on the evidence obtained in phase 1.