Green Party calls for free bus passes for under-22s

The Green Party has proposed free bus travel for under-22s, saying it would improve access to education, training and rural services and citing KPMG research on buses' economic contribution.

The Green Party has proposed free bus travel for people under 22. The party said the policy would help young people access education, training and jobs, improve services in rural areas and reduce car congestion and carbon emissions. It cited KPMG research on the economic role of buses and welcomed a Commons transport committee recommendation for under-22 travel. The party also pledged to remove time restrictions on the disabled person's bus pass and to keep extended free travel for older people. Key facts: - The party is calling for free local bus travel for under-22s. - KPMG figures cited include £39.1bn in annual local spending by bus passengers and over 2.2 million commuters who rely on buses, generating around £72bn in collective income. - The analysis referenced a benefit range of about £4.55 to £5 for every £1 invested in bus services. - Local bus journeys in England were 3.7 billion in the year to March 2025, down from more than 4 billion before the pandemic. - The Commons Transport Committee recommended free bus passes for under-22s last year. Summary: The proposal is presented as a way to broaden young people's access to education, work and local services while noting wider economic contributions from bus travel. Green Party officials said elected Green councillors will use local influence after May and the party will press for national adoption, with further decisions undetermined at this time.