Under-22s should be able to take the bus for free, Green Party says

The Green Party will announce a policy proposing free bus travel for everyone under 22, saying it would improve access to work and education; Labour last year called a similar proposal 'unaffordable'.

The Green Party intends to propose free bus travel for everyone under 22 and will make the announcement during a visit to Sheffield. The party's leader, Zack Polanski, is expected to set out the plan and argue it would help young people reach work and education. Labour ministers last year said a similar free trial was unaffordable, after the Transport Committee recommended action. The Greens say the measure could boost rural connectivity, reduce congestion and cut emissions, and that it could be self-financing. Key facts: - The Green Party plans to announce a policy to make bus travel free for people under 22. - Labour rejected a related proposal last October, describing a free trial for young adults as "unaffordable." - The party cited research, including a KPMG analysis reported in media coverage, that linked bus use to local spending and wider economic benefits. - Scotland already offers free bus travel for ages five to 22 since January 2022, and London has free travel for under-18s and discounts for some 18–25s. - The Greens also propose removing time restrictions on disabled persons' bus passes and extending free travel hours for older people. - Bus journeys in England have fallen in recent years while fares have risen faster than inflation, and experts told the Transport Committee the sector's economic contribution declined between 2011 and 2023. Summary: The Green Party frames the proposal as a way to improve young people's access to jobs, education and services while providing environmental and economic benefits. A formal announcement by the party leader is expected in Sheffield on Saturday. The Labour government previously halted a comparable plan on affordability grounds. Undetermined at this time.